Denise Silvey to step down as The Mousetrap's artistic director after 32 years

Denise Silvey, artistic director of The Mousetrap, is to stand down when the year ends, WestEndTheatre.com reported this morning. Her duties will pass to the production's producer, Brian Fenty.

The departure ends a connection with the play that has lasted 32 years, the last 18 of them as artistic director, and it began on the stage itself: Silvey first worked on the production as a performer. She has said she wants more time for projects of her own.

Explaining the decision, Silvey said she felt "the time is now right to step down from this iconic role to allow myself more time to pursue my own projects." She added: "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."

Fenty paid tribute in turn: "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."

She steps aside at a significant moment for the play. Christie's whodunit opened at the Ambassadors Theatre on 25 November 1952 and crossed to the neighbouring St Martin's Theatre in 1974, and it is now beginning its 75th year in the West End. Fenty's plans for that milestone, which we reported in October, bring in Hannah Chissick as the new director, a new company from 11 November, a refitted St Martin's and a gala performance on 25 November 2026.

Silvey's years in charge also took the production well beyond London, with tours that reached China and India. Outside Monkswell Manor, her recent directing work includes Soho Songs and Ruth at Wilton's Music Hall and Queen for Cunard and Assembly Festival, while her producing credits run from A Thing of Beauty to Musik.

The Mousetrap continues at St Martin's Theatre and is booking now.