St. Martin's Theatre

The Basics

Performances of Agatha Christie’s classic mysteryThe Mousetrap are held daily (except Sunday) at St. Martin's Theatre, and the beautifully restored auditorium offers an impressive but intimate setting. Theatergoers can choose between seats in the Dress Circle, Upper Circle, or Stalls. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.

The Mousetrap* runs for about two hours and 20 minutes, including an interval.

• Drinks and snacks are available to purchase before the show and during intermission.

• The theater is wheelchair accessible; there are three steps to enter the theater, but if you inform the staff in advance, they will provide a ramp.

How to Get There

St. Martin's Theatre is located in London’s West End, between Covent Garden and Leicester Square. It’s an easy walk from many of the central attractions, and three tube stations are located nearby: Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern Lines), Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), and Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern Lines).

When to Get There

Performances ofThe Mousetrap are held Monday to Saturday evenings, with additional matinee performances on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

*The Mousetrap* at St. Martin’s Theatre

St. Martin’s Theatre holds the record for the longest continuously running show in the world: Agatha Christie’s murder mysteryThe Mousetrap. The hit show has exceeded 25,000 performances since its opening night in 1952, and David Raven holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Durable Actor” for his 4,575 performances as Major Metcalf. A total of 403 actors and actresses have appeared in the play during its 60-year run.

Ways to explore

For most visitors, the best way to experience St. Martin’s Theatre is by seeing a show. It’s always worth booking in advance, especially for a summertime weekend production of The Mousetrap, although you can also buy tickets in person at the on-site box office. Look out for theater experience tickets that package a show with a pre-show dinner, allowing you to skip the hassle of arranging all your evening logistics.

Some West End theater tours and arts-related tours include a mention of St. Martin’s in their commentary and may pass the venue.

Accessibility

There is a removable ramp for wheelchair access through the main entrance, and some wheelchair spaces (in a box and the Dress Circle). There is an accessible restroom. Audio descriptions of *The Mousetrap” are available. Service dogs are welcome, and staff can look after service animals during performances by request.

Age limits

Different shows may set age restrictions for children. The recommended minimum age for The Mousetrap is 7 years, and kids under 5 are not permitted. The theater often hosts family-friendly shows earlier in the day.

What to pack

A small bag that will fit easily under a seat (there are no clockrooms), credit or debit card

What to wear

There’s no dress code, but most London theater-goers opt to dress smart-casual.

Not allowed

Food and drink brought externally, large bags, photography or filming when the curtain is up

Amenities

Air conditioning, bars, booster seats on request (ask an usher when you enter), merchandise kiosks, restrooms, ticket office

Address

St. Martin’s Theatre is on West Street in the central Seven Dials area, and is easily walkable from Covent Garden, Chinatown, Leicester Square, and Soho. There are many options via public transport.

Driving

To reach the theater by car, you will need to pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee if applicable for your vehicle. The theater is well connected by public transportation, which is a much easier option.

Public transportation

Leicester Square tube station is within a 5-minute walk, and is accessed via the Northern and Piccadilly lines. Alternatively, Covent Garden tube station is also close, served by the Picadilly line. The tourist-popular 24 bus stops nearby on Charing Cross Road.

Best times to visit

Evening shows typically start at 7:30pm, while matinee shows are at 3pm and are generally less busy and can be cheaper. The theater sometimes hosts family-friendly shows for limited runs, with performances in the morning and early afternoon. Doors tend to open between 45 minutes and 30 minutes before performances begin.

Best days to visit

The Mousetrap is currently performed six nights of the week from Monday to Saturday. There are also matinee performances on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Visit whenever works with your schedule and you can secure tickets.

Best months to visit

Performances at St. Martin’s Theatre take place throughout the year, and there isn’t a bad time to visit the theater.