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Review: Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap

January 1, 2013 by Vikram Goyal

Agatha Christie Mousetrap Review

You have probably already seen The Mousetrap.

If not in a stage setting in London, then on your TV screen or a Movie theater.

In a homage to this incredibly popular stage show, innumerable TV shows and movies have copied its formula verbatim. The shock twist at the end comes not so much as a surprise, but a confirmation of where it all began.

Most people in the audience were there for the thrill of the show. For being able to see the show that is the longest running show in the history of the world. With over 25000 performances (think about that number for second) no other show comes closer.

The story and the setting are so typically Agatha Christie that for a moment you yearn to truly believe that you are not time travelling, but you do actually live in an era when the only way to get news was via the “wireless” and that a telephone wire being “cut” makes sense. The fact that most people in the audience would have paid upwards of $75 for the privilege makes you realize you’re not the only one.

In case, you haven’t seen it, the story should sound familiar.

A newly married couple have bought a new house, and have decided to convert it into a guest house. They call it the Monkswell Manor and they await the arrival of their first few guests. The guests arrive one by one, each one more peculiar than the last. All this against the background of a horrific murder in London, a blinding snowstorm which has cut down communication with the outside world and you have a setting for a perfect late night novel. Except, it is playing out in front of you on stage with some terrific acting by an all Australian cast.

While watching the show, I couldn’t help but think how this compared against the original cast from when the show was first performed in London on 6th Oct, 1952. 60 years on and the show still works. It is perhaps a tribute to the original concept and the brilliance of the “surprise” ending that we still watch the show to eagerly await the identity of the killer even though we all know it.

This production is an effort to take Mousetrap to newer audiences who haven’t had the privilege of seeing it its original setting in London. The stage setting is perfect, the lighting and effects adequate and the acting remarkable considering the all Australian cast (who I suspect don’t naturally have posh British accents of 1950s). All the actors do their job meticulously and supplement each others efforts.

Catch the show while you can before it runs out on the 20th of Jan.

For more information:

Visit Mousetrap

In Brisbane: QPAC

CraftGossip got complimentary tickets to see the show.

 

 

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Beginner’s Melt and Pour Soap Recipe with Essential Oils – A Natural Soapmaking DIY for Luxurious Skin

If you’ve been dreaming of making your own soap but feel intimidated by lye and lab goggles—breathe easy. This melt and pour soap recipe is beginner-approved, mum-tested, and totally lye-free. It’s one of the easiest ways to dip your toes into natural skincare crafting without needing a chemistry degree (or a hazmat suit!).

This tutorial walks you through a gorgeous base soap recipe and shows you how to customise it with essential oils, dried herbs, skin-loving add-ins, and creative molds. Whether you’re making handmade gifts, stocking your own bathroom, or just craving a cozy afternoon project, this one is a winner.

Why Choose Melt and Pour Soap?

Melt and pour soap bases are pre-made, which means the saponification process (that whole lye-and-fat chemistry bit) has already been done for you. All you have to do is melt it down, add your goodies, and pour it into a mold. The result? A professional-looking, totally customizable bar of soap without the fuss.

Benefits of Using Melt and Pour:

  • No lye handling 
  • Ready in under 30 minutes 
  • Great for kids, beginners, or busy mums 
  • Takes beautifully to scents, colors, herbs, clays, and oils 

Basic Melt and Pour Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 500g melt and pour soap base (goat’s milk, shea butter, or clear glycerin) 
  • 1 tbsp carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba, or castor oil for added nourishment) 
  • 10–20 drops essential oils (see scent ideas below) 
  • 1–2 tsp dried botanicals (optional: rose petals, lavender buds, calendula) 
  • Silicone mold of choice 
  • Spray bottle of rubbing alcohol (to remove bubbles) 

Tools:

  • Heat-safe jug or double boiler 
  • Silicone spatula or wooden spoon 
  • Small spray bottle 
  • Soap cutter or knife (if using a block base) 

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut the Base
Chop your melt and pour soap into small cubes. This helps it melt evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Melt Gently
Place cubes in a microwave-safe jug or double boiler. Heat in 20-30 second bursts, stirring between each until completely liquid. Avoid boiling.

Step 3: Customize Your Soap
Once melted, stir in your carrier oil, essential oils, and botanicals. Work quickly but gently—over-stirring creates bubbles.

Step 4: Pour Into Molds
Pour the liquid soap into your silicone molds. Spritz the tops with rubbing alcohol to pop bubbles and create a smooth finish.

Step 5: Let Set
Allow to cool and harden for at least 2 hours at room temperature (or pop in the fridge for a quicker set). Gently pop them out of the molds once solid.

Scent Blend Ideas for Essential Oil Soap

MoodBlend Recipe
Relaxing Spa10 drops lavender, 5 drops cedarwood, 3 drops ylang ylang
Zesty Wakeup8 drops lemon, 6 drops peppermint, 4 drops rosemary
Skin Soothing10 drops chamomile, 6 drops frankincense
Autumn Comfort8 drops sweet orange, 4 drops cinnamon leaf, 2 drops clove

Add-In Options for Skin Nourishment

  • Oats: Add 1 tsp of finely ground oats for gentle exfoliation and calming properties. 
  • Pink Clay or Bentonite: Add ½ tsp for a skin-purifying twist. 
  • Dried flowers: Sprinkle a few petals in the mold for a pretty finish. 
  • Activated charcoal: For a detox bar—use sparingly (¼ tsp per 500g base). 

Storage Tips

Store your finished bars in a cool, dry place or wrap them in cling wrap to prevent sweating (glycerin bases tend to draw moisture from the air). Use within 3–6 months for best results.

FAQs – Melt and Pour Soap Troubleshooting

Why is my soap sweating?
That’s just glycerin doing its job—pulling moisture from the air. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a sealed container.

Can I use fresh fruit or juice?
Not recommended. Fresh ingredients can cause mold or spoilage. Stick to dried or powdered botanicals.

How do I color my soap naturally?
Try turmeric (yellow), spirulina (green), beetroot powder (pink), or cocoa powder (brown). Go light to avoid staining.

Once you try making melt and pour soap, there’s a good chance you’ll never go back to store-bought again. It’s fast, fun, and endlessly customizable. Best of all, you get to create something beautiful and useful with your own hands—whether it’s for self-care, gifting, or even starting a little soap side hustle.

So grab your jug, heat up that soap base, and let your creativity pour.

Want more melt and pour soap recipes? Try these:

  • Herbal Tea Soap Bars 
  • Exfoliating Coffee Scrub Soap 
  • Calming Chamomile Honey Bars 
  • Turmeric and Clay Complexion Soap

 

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