2026 marks half a century since the death of celebrated crime writer Agatha Christie, something the British Library is commemorating with a new exhibition dedicated to her life and work.
As the top-selling fiction writer of all time, more than a few people enjoy curling up with one of her novels. Lots of Christie's works have been adapted for the stage, too — here's what you can catch in London's theatres right now.
The Mousetrap at St Martin's Theatre
Famously the longest-running play in the world, drawing room murder mystery The Mousetrap first opened in London in 1952, having been shown in Nottingham, Oxford, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Leeds and Birmingham in the months prior. Safe to say it found its home in London: it ran at the Ambassadors Theatre from 1952-1974 then moved to St Martin's Theatre, where it remains today, about to his its 74th year. The running tally is mounted on the sign out front of the theatre (pictured above).
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A quirk in the rights to the material means that no film adaptation can be made until the West End production has been closed for at least six months (that hasn't happened yet — though we highly recommend watching See How They Run (2022), which finds a semi-loophole), and only one production of the play in addition to the West End production can be performed annually. At the end of each performance, the audience is asked not to share the plot finale (contrary to a popular urban myth, the ending remains the same each time). We'll say no more.
The Mousetrap at St Martin's Theatre, ongoing.
Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution
You've been summoned for jury service. Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall is an adaptation of Christie's 1953 play of the same name, itself adapted from a short story written by Christie in 1925.
Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a woman with the intention of inheriting her wealth. Now standing trial, he attempts to convince the jury — and you, the audience — of his innocence. Masterfully, the action unfolds in an authentic former courtroom within County Hall, the audience seated within the court (and VIP tickets giving you a spot in the jury seats).
It's now in its ninth year, which, while no rival for The Mousetrap's longevity, is fairly impressive nonetheless. Our reviewer gave it five stars when it opened in 2017.
Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution, County Hall, ongoing.
Murder, She Didn't Write at Duchess Theatre
Though not directly from the pen of Agatha Christie, Murder, She Didn't Write is heavily inspired by her style... and your suggestions.
The improv comedy show sees theatre troupe Degrees of Error come up with a classic, Christie-esque murder mystery on the spot, using audience suggestions for title, characters, setting, murder weapon, etc. Like a classic whodunnit, it's up to you to guess the killer before the big reveal — though thanks to the nature of improv, no two shows are remotely similar.
Murder, She Didn't Write at Duchess Theatre, ongoing (monthly: 16 November, 7 December, 11 January, 8 February).
Agatha Christie's The Hollow at Richmond Theatre
Christie's The Hollow, alternatively known as Murder After Hours, stars her famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. Set in a country house, it's got all the classic elements: glamorous guests, smoking revolver, dead body... you know the drill.
Oh, and if you saw the TV version as part of the long-running Poirot TV series: the ending on TV was different to Christie's original one. You'll have to swing by the Richmond Theatre to see how this one concludes.
Agatha Christie's The Hollow at Richmond Theatre, 27-31 October 2026.
And Then There Were None, New Wimbledon Theatre
One of the top selling books of all time with over 100 million copies sold — though originally published with a title which wouldn't be considered acceptable today — And Then There Were None is set on a remote island off the Devon coast, with 10 characters killed off one by one as their past crimes come to light via a gramophone record.
And Then There Were None, New Wimbledon Theatre, 27-31 October 2026. Appropriately, given its name, tickets are currently sold out, but check for returns.
