Eight people, snowed in at an isolated English guesthouse.

A murderer is on the loose with some unknown connection to the guesthouse. Cut off. No one gets in. No one gets out.

But it’s too late – the murderer is already there. But who is it?

Problem is, everyone looks guilty. And everyone has a reason to be afraid.

Welcome to The Mousetrap, now on stage at the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene. It’s Agatha Christie’s often imitated but never quite matched style of suspense, intricate plot lines and always the undercurrent of murder rippling through the action.

Christie masterfully weaves a web of suspicion and intrigue, where no one is quite who they say they are and everyone has secrets lying buried deep within.

Drayton Entertainment brings this legendary play to life for summer audiences. The Mousetrap is known for having the longest initial run of any production in the world. As of Aug. 15, 2007, there had been 22,800 performances in the course of its 55-year tenure in London’s West End.

As audiences have come to expect, Drayton has assembled a fine cast who pull out the stops to provide an excellent evening of entertainment.

Susie Burnett and Adrian Griffin are the young couple Mollie and Giles Ralston, who have plenty of enthusiasm, but not a lot of experience running a hotel. Burnett gives a fine performance as the surprisingly complex young wife who is haunted by a horrible secret she’s tried to put behind her.

Griffin is her match, doing a marvelous job of playing the clever husband – perhaps a bit too clever.

Then there’s the typical British battle-ax, Mrs. Boyle, whose snobbery pervades the room the moment she walks on stage, eliciting dislike from all around her. Well done, Maria Heidler.

Ari Weinberg is Christopher Wren, supposedly an architect. Weinberg’s wild hair and wilder laugh help create an unforgettable character who clearly is more than meets the eye.

Costin Manu provides memorable moments as the mysterious Mr. Paravicini, the enigmatic foreigner who suddenly appears after his car overturns and who steadfastly refuses to give a direct answer to questions.

It’s a pleasure to see Karen Sweet in a more subdued role than her over-the-top characters in recent productions, such as No Sex, Please, We’re British, Tons of Money and Cash on Delivery. Sweet’s hoarse whisper is a nice fit for the oddly aloof Miss Casewell.

Retired army man Major Metcalf is quietly played by Robert Latimer. His discretion and constant
exploration of the manor’s nooks and crannies quickly cast suspicion on himself.

David Snelgrove dominates the stage with his convincing performance of the authoritative Sergeant Trotter determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, piecing together the fragmented clues in this classic whodunit.

Kudos to Rona Waddington who keeps the cast moving the action along at a brisk pace under the brooding lights and multiple entranceways of set and lighting designer Jeff Johnston Collins.

False clues divert attention from the real killer and the play builds to a tension-filled climax with surprises for all.

The Mousetrap is on stage until July 12 with 2 p.m. matinees Tuesday through Saturday (except Friday afternoons), and 8 p.m. performances Wednesday through Saturday.

Call the box office at 549-5555 for tickets.

Drayton Entertainment next presents a pageant of political patriotism with the original presentation Sorry … I’m Canadian at the King’s Wharf Theatre July 16 through Aug. 2.

It’s a charming blend of music, humour and political satire starring the incomparable Neil Aitchison who takes the stage as his favourite alter ego the uniquely Canadian Constable Archibald F. Inkster.

Jennifer Harker is The Mirror’s entertainment writer.