The Mousetrap‘s Artistic Director Denise Silvey has announced she will step down at the end of 2026, concluding a 32-year association with the world’s longest-running play.
Denise Silvey, who has served as Artistic Director for The Mousetrap for the last 18 years, is leaving at the end of the year after a total of 32 years working for the Agatha Christie play. Her responsibilities will be handed over to the play’s producer Brian Fenty.
Silvey expressed both pride and emotion about her time with The Mousetrap. She said: “It is with great sadness that after my 32-year association with The Mousetrap and for the last 18 years as Artistic Director, I feel the time is now right to step down from this iconic role to allow myself more time to pursue my own projects.
“It has been the greatest honour of my life to have been a custodian of this remarkable institution for all the time I have, and I would love to thank all those who have supported me throughout these years. I am leaving the show in safe hands with Brian Fenty and his team, who I know will honour the show’s legacy. I wish them well for the next 75 years.” Â
Fenty added: “Denise has made an exceptional contribution to the artistic life, reputation and success of this institution. Her vision, dedication, creativity and leadership have helped shape what we are today, and she leaves an enduring legacy of which she can be immensely proud.” Â
Our take: Denise Silvey’s 32 years with The Mousetrap has made her someone who genuinely understands the show’s DNA. Brian Fenty inherits not just a legendary institution of a show, but also Silvey’s careful custodianship. With her confidence in his vision, there’s every reason to believe The Mousetrap will continue thriving for another 75 years.
A legacy spanning three decades Â
Silvey’s tenure with The Mousetrap began as a performer, before she became a production supervisor in 2009. She then transitioned into the role of Artistic Director in 2017.
Under her stewardship, the production has continued its unparalleled run at the St Martin’s Theatre in London while extending globally, including tours across the China, and India. Â
Beyond her work with The Mousetrap, Silvey has established herself as a prolific director and producer across theatre, film, and touring productions. Her recent directing credits include Soho Songs (Wilton’s Music Hall), Ruth (Wilton’s Music Hall), and Queen (Cunard Liners and Assembly Festival).
She has also worked as a producer on shows ranging from A Thing of Beauty to Musik, alongside numerous touring productions and Edinburgh Festival shows. Â
Book tickets to The Mousetrap at St. Martin’s Theatre here
The Mousetrap continuesÂ
The Mousetrap remains the longest-running play in theatrical history – having opened in 1952- and it marked 30,000 performances in the West End in 2025.
In addition, Fenty announced plans last month to mark the Agatha Christie play’s 75th anniversary, which falls this month. These include award-winning director and Artistic Director of National Youth Music Theatre Hannah Chissick being named its new director; the set, lighting and sound being redesigned; and a new cast.
The show is inspired by Christie’s radio play Three Blind Mice, which was first broadcast on 30 May 1947. It focuses on seven strangers who are snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse as news spreads of a murder in London.
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