Who-done-it classic set for U of L

Promise not to give away the ending? That’s the restriction respected by millions of Agatha Christie fans around the world. And now it’s the tacit understanding among Lethbridgearea fans who’ve bought tickets for “The Mousetrap.”

The classic who-done-it takes to the University Theatre stage Feb. 13 to 17, and drama student Cole Fetting knew the ending before he picked up the script. He’d played a role when Playgoers of Lethbridge staged the mystery several years ago at the Yates, he explains.

Fetting — who’s working on his Italian accent for Mr. Paravicini, one of the suspects — says part of the show’s appeal is that many audience members want to decide who’s to blame, as clue is layered on clue. Then, they find they’re wrong! Colin Bluekens, who plays Detective Sergeant Trotter, says reason audiences enjoy it — nonstop since 1953 in London — is that every character is likeable.

“I feel the audience member should be able to connect in some way to every character,” he adds. Though it’s set in rural England, generations ago, Bluekens predicts students will enjoy the show as much as seasoned audience members who’ve experienced it before.

“People like to think they can figure it out,” he says.

For director Shelley Scott, “The Mousetrap” offers students an opportunity to explore a style of theatre that’s different from many of the hardhitting contemporary or historic dramas they take on during their university days.

But it’s a style with a strong following, she says, with theatre companies like Vertigo filling that murder mystery niche in Calgary — and more like it across the nation.

It’s also popular with student actors, Scott adds. So many wanted to audition for a role in the cast of eight. “It was so hard to make a decision.” The elegant English set was designed by newly arrived drama professor Dave Smith, she says. Lighting is by Lethbridge entrepreneur and drama fan Josh Halliwell.

Curtain time is 7:30 p.m., Feb. 13 to 17, with tickets available online at or by phone at 403-329-2616. They can also be picked up in person at the Foster Penny Building on 5 Street Suth between noon and 5 p.m. weekdays.

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Herald photo by Ian Martens Cole Fetting, as Mr. Paravicini, and Colin Bluekens, as Detective Sergeant Trotter, run through a scene from the University of Lethbridge production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, set for Feb. 13-17 at the University Theatre.