About the Theatre

St. Martin’s Theatre is famous for being home to the world’s longest-running play, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. This murder-mystery has played at the theatre since 1974, though it had previously been running at the nearby Ambassadors Theatre since 1952. At the end of each performance, the St Martin's audience is asked by the cast of The Mousetrap to "keep the secret," ensuring that the truth behind whodunnit remains a mystery.

This Georgian-styled venue dates back to the middle of the First World War, having opened in 1916. Architect W. G. R. Sprague designed the venue as a pair with the Ambassadors Theatre. Prior to The Mousetrap, notable productions included The Grass is Greener and Sleuth.

St Martins Theatre History and Timeline

The Mousetrap reopens after lockdown

2021-07-20

After being closed since March of 2020 due to the global Coronavirus pandemic, The Mousetrap reopens for performances to continue its historic run at St. Martin's Theatre.

St. Martin's Theatre opens

1916-11-23

St. Martin's Theatre first opens on 23rd November 1916. Architect W. G. R. Sprague designed the theatre as a pair with the nearby Ambassadors Theatre, which opened in 1913. The opening of St. Martin's was delayed due to the outbreak of the First World War. The first production was the original run of Edwardian musical comedy, 'Houp La!' starring Gertie Millar.

Basil Rathbone stars in R.U.R.

1923-04-01

Basil Rathbone, best known for playing Sherlock Holmes, plays Harry Domain in the classic science fiction play, R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) by Karel Čapek. This play is famous for introducing the word "robot" to the English language.

Henry Daniell appears in Meet the Wife

1927-06-01

Henry Daniell, popular for his 'villain' roles on stage and screen, appears as Gregory Brown in Broadway transfer 'Meet the Wife'.

The Grass is Greener opens

1956-12-02

'The Grass is Greener' by Hugh and Margaret Williams makes its world-premier. The play is critically well-received and in 1960 is adapted for screen starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr.

St. Martin's Theatre is Grade II listed by English Heritage

1973-03-16

St. Martin's Theatre is Grade II listed by English Heritage. This list denotes "buildings that are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them."

The Mousetrap transfers to St. Martin's Theatre

1974-03-25

After running at the nearby Ambassadors Theatre for more than 20 years, Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetrap' transfers to St. Martin's Theatre, where it still plays today, making it the world's longest-running theatrical production.

Dame Agatha Christie dies

1976-01-12

On 12th January 1974, Dame Agatha Christie died peacefully of natural causes in her own home, aged 85. After that evening's performance of The Mousetrap, Brian McDermott who was playing Detective Sergeant Trotter, invited the audience to join the cast in standing up for a minute's silence to honour her.

The Mousetrap celebrates Diamond 60th Anniversary

2012-11-25

On 25th November 2012, The Mousetrap celebrated its 60th anniversary. A special Diamond Anniversary UK tour takes place, as well as a gala performance featuring an all-star cast, including Tamsin Grieg, Hugh Bonneville, Sir Patrick Stewart, Miranda Hart, Iain Glen and Julie Walters.

The Mousetrap passes 27,500 performances

2018-09-18

The Mousetrap celebrates its 27,500th performance.