The Victoria and Albert Museum has a vast array of insane theatrical and performance displays like David Bowie’s handwritten lyrics, to a recreation of Kylie Monogue’s dressing room, and Sweeney Todd set designs. The newly renovated Performance and Theater exhibit was every theater kid’s dream. Moreover, the other incredible art, architecture, and jewelry exhibits quickly made this one of my favorite stops of this trip so far.
Among the displays, a crimson-colored, shiny rectangle became visible to me. A closer look showed me that it was actually a playbill from the 2239th run of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. Specifically it commemorated the show’s five and a half year running point on 12 April 1958. An incredible accomplishment, one that now looks meager in comparison to the 72 years it has been performed as of this year. Additionally, the show also holds the record for the most performances still to this day. This playbill is a beautiful testament to the life and vibrancy of good theatre. It is no secret that the arts are not being valued as they once were; however, The Mousetrap shows that theatre is not a dead industry.
In addition to The Mousetrap playbill, one of my other favorite exhibits was the Wicked Act II Elphaba dress. The detailing of the dress up close was more intricate and beautiful than I could have ever imagined. There was also an incredible selection of other types of art. In the more traditional painting section, there was a work hung called St Cecelia and the Angels. The sculpture Theseus and the Minotaur was one I already knew was in the museum, and it was even better than I expected.
By the end, The Victoria and Albert museum had made me cry with their gorgeous, unexpected, historically rich pieces. For those coming to London who want to go to a museum (and even those who don’t) please go and see these incredible works!
Theatre in London U of A 