ENGLISH

THE MOUSETRAP EXCURSION

On Sunday 19 March, our Year 11 Literature class were lucky enough to attend the 70th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at the Melbourne Comedy Theatre. As part of a unit of study looking closely at crime/mystery fiction, we began by exploring the works of Agatha Christie and how she has influenced the genre as a whole. Enjoying the complexities of her playwriting, we got to see the whodunit plot play out in all its glory. As a murder mystery classic, it was also very comedic, a great parody, and a sensational show that was surprising and unexpected. 

To add to this wonderful experience, after the show, the class was fortunate enough to meet the actor who played Christopher Wren (Laurence Boxhall) which made the experience even more memorable. When meeting him, we were able to ask him some very useful and insightful questions about the show and his experience being an actor. 

Yasmeen Kotliarski (Year 11) boldly asked Mr Boxhall how he created his version of Christopher Wren. He replied by explaining his portrayal was based on his interpretation of the character as perhaps being nostalgic for his childhood and had perhaps been through great difficulties, thus his gestures were naturally childlike and playful. It was fascinating. 

Overall, this unique opportunity to see The Mousetrap was an experience that no one in the class will ever be able to forget. Thanks to Mr Lynch, Mr Hunt, and Dr Day for joining us, and to Dr Day for organising this excursion.

Anthony Kostelac

Year 11 Student