Get caught up in The Mousetrap

The Mousetrap comes to Hamilton Town House from October 26-31 as a young couple who open a guest house welcome their first six guests, but which of the eight is responsible for a murder in London.

William Ilksley, who plays Major Metcalf, said: “This is a classic Agatha Christie whodunnit and the fact it has been running for 63 years shows the enduring popularity of her writing.

“As it can never be adapted for film or television until six months after it closes in London, which shows no sign of happening any time soon,the only way to experience it is live in a theatre.

“I was in the West End production for a year and I am now delighted to be on tour with the play, by the end of this run I’ll have done 601 performances and loved every minute.

“In terms of the genre she was writing in I honestly think Christie is right up there with William Shakespeare as one of the great British writers.”

The opening night in Hamilton will be particularly special for William as he meets an old school friend.

He said: “I have never been to Hamilton before so I’m really looking forward to it and a girl I was at school with, Andrea, contacted me on Facebook to say she’s bought tickets for the front row so I’m looking forward to meeting her for the first time since I was 16, I’m 57 now so it’s a wonder she recognised me.”

William plans to move onto other jobs after this tour, but would be keen to do another Christie in the future.

He said: “After over 600 performances it will be time to hang up the tweed suit, this was my first experience of a Christie play as I tend to do a lot of contemporary work, but I’d definitely love to return to her work in the future.”

Performances start at 7.30pm each night, for ticket details call 01698 452122 or visit the box office