The 70^th anniversary production of The Mousetrap appears at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday 26^th November as part of a major UK tour.

What attracted you to The Mousetrap?

It’s an honour to be doing it. It’s the longest-running play in theatrical history. In London it’s almost like a tourist attraction; people visit The Tower of London and The Houses of Parliament and see The Mousetrap. It’s a classic, so to be taking it around the country is really exciting. I do love a whodunnit and Agatha Christie, of course, was a great writer. It’s a pleasure to be part of it.

How would you describe Mr. Paravicini and his role in the story?

He’s such an amusing character. He appears to be from Italy and he does a bit of singing, a bit of opera. He gives the impression that he is pretty wealthy, has no attachments and likes to have a good time. He’s the last one to arrive at Monkswell Manor as a snowstorm rages outside. He wheedles his way into this guesthouse way out in the countryside after he says his Rolls-Royce has run into a snowdrift. He’s mysterious in many ways, arriving with just this small doctor’s-style bag, and he’s quite sarcastic, especially towards the detective.

Had you already seen the play before signing on?

I saw it many years ago, then I went to see it again when I got the part and really enjoyed it. It’s amazing how it stands up. The writing is brilliant. I think that’s why it’s been going so long. And you can’t beat a good whodunnit. People are fascinated by them, aren’t they? They enjoy trying to figure out who the murderer is, although with this one they’d be hard put to do so because it is so clever. Whodunnits are a teaser for the brain, where you listen intently to the dialogue to try and solve the crime, and we all like a shock or surprise, which is exactly what happens in The Mousetrap. It remains a secret almost until the very end. When I first saw it, I had no idea who was guilty until the big reveal.

Does it surprise you, especially in an era of social media, that audiences don’t spill that secret after seeing the show?

Yes it does. Social media is good in some ways but can be disastrous in others, but at the end of the show the audience are asked to not reveal the identity of the murderer, which people seem happy to honour.

You came to fame in EastEnders but what have been your favourite jobs over the years?

I was in a film in 1979 called Birth of the Beatles, where I played George Harrison. That was an absolute treat because I love The Beatles and he was my favourite. Then in the theatre I’d say Chicago, playing Billy Flynn. I toured round the country doing that for two years across 525 performances. People pigeonhole you because of what you’ve done on television. I sang a song on a cruise ship once and this woman went ‘Ooh, I didn’t take you for a singer, love’. All they think you can do is be a villain on EastEnders or something, but the whole point of being an actor is taking on different roles.

Have you traded EastEnders stories with your Mousetrap co-star Todd Carty?

We haven’t seen each other for quite a few years and we were both pleased to see each other again. We always got on well on the EastEnders set, [laughs] even though his character tried to kill my character on the show. We’ve chatted a bit about those days and I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time for more reminiscing when we’re on the road.

Why do you think Agatha Christie is the most successful novelist of all time?

She’s like a great composer who produces so many wonderful symphonies and whose music will last forever. I think her writing will last forever. Her books aren’t just slapdash railway paperbacks, as they used to call them. It’s the same with her plays. It’s damned good writing, with very well-observed characters. She really knew how to write characters. I think she must have been a great observer of people. Then, of course, there’s the intricate plotting. She must have worked really hard on constructing her stories.

What are you most looking forward to about taking the show around the country?

I really enjoy touring. A lot of the places on this tour I’ve been to before so I’ll know where to go. I’ve always had that wanderlust in me so I’m looking forward to getting out on the road and seeing the country.

Are there any stops on the tour that are dear to your heart?

Bath is one of my favourite places. The theatre there is beautiful and it’s a lovely city. I’ve always enjoyed spending time in Manchester and Newcastle; I did my first panto in Newcastle. We’re going to Ireland, to Dublin and Cork, which will be great. And that’s after we open in Nottingham, which is where The Mousetrap originally premiered in 1952. That’ll be something else, to know that we’re on the same stage 70 years later.

Photo credit:  Matt Crockett