Adam Spiegel’s production of The Mousetrap set to return to West End in October

Jewish theatre producer Adam Spiegel is set to bring a production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap to the West End in the autumn.

It is scheduled to reopen at St. Martin’s Theatre on 23 October, with social distancing measures in place on stage, back stage and throughout the venue.

The long-running murder mystery play, first staged in 1952, has been performed 28,200 times in London and sold over 10 million tickets, according to its makers.

“I recognise that for the vast majority of West End productions, operating with social distancing is simply not possible,” Spiegel said.

“I produce other shows which will also be unable to reopen under these restrictions. We are very fortunate with The Mousetrap that, with the help of our stakeholders, we are able to adapt our economic model to be able to reopen.

“Whilst this cannot be a long-term exercise, we believe it is a crucial first step in restoring live theatre to the London landscape.”

The Mousetrap would reopen during stage four of the five-point roadmap announced by the government last week outlining the return of live performances to the UK.

• Listen to the JN Podcast here: Ashley Blaker on Liverpool and kosher restaurants reopen