The world's longest running play opened in London's west end on November 25, 1952, and is still playing today, to about 80% of capacity, after 20,000 performances. What's the title, and who wrote it?

The world's longest continuously running play is indeed Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap." This iconic murder mystery premiered in London's West End on November 25, 1952, and has been captivating audiences ever since. Its remarkable run, now well past 20,000 performances and approaching 30,000, solidifies its place in theatrical history as a true phenomenon.

Before becoming a stage sensation, "The Mousetrap" began its life as a short radio play titled "Three Blind Mice," written by Christie as a birthday gift for Queen Mary in 1947. The celebrated author herself reportedly believed the play would only run for a maximum of about eight months, making its enduring success all the more surprising. A unique tradition associated with the production is the request made to the audience at the end of each show: to keep the identity of the murderer a secret, preserving the twist for future viewers.

The play's longevity is a testament to Christie's masterful storytelling and the timeless appeal of a classic whodunit. It originally opened at the Ambassadors Theatre before moving to the St. Martin's Theatre in 1974 without missing a single performance. Even a pre-recorded news bulletin from the play's first act still features the voice (Review) of the late Deryck Guyler, a charming nod to its deep roots in theatrical history. Christie famously gifted the rights to the play to her grandson, Mathew Prichard, when he was just nine years old.