Ahead of its critically acclaimed production of The Forsyte Saga transferring to the RSC, Troupe has announced the initial casting for its forthcoming revival of Noël Coward’s The Rat Trap at the Park Theatre. This stylish period revival, reimagined by Bill Rosenfield, marks the centenary of Coward’s very first play.
The production will be directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward and stars Ewan Miller (Much Ado About Nothing) as Keld Maxwell, Lily Nichol (3 Body Problem, I Hate Suzie) as Sheila Brandreth, and Angela Sims (Cruella, The Crown) as Burrage. The Rat Trap opens in Park200 on February 2, 2026, with previews starting January 28, and runs until March 14.
Set in fashionable 1920s Belgravia, the play charts the devastating unravelling of a marriage between two ambitious writers. When Keld’s career eclipses Sheila’s, the marriage is tested by professional jealousy, betrayal, and Coward’s trademark wit and dark humour.
Director Kirsty Patrick Ward believes the play's themes are "utterly relevant" today, stating that Rosenfield’s reimagining has allowed this "overlooked play to finally come into its own." Troupe’s Ashley Cook added that marking the centenary with such an accomplished cast and creative team is a "wonderful way to begin the year for the company."
This revival promises to be a surprising, thought-provoking, and deeply moving addition to the Coward canon. The full cast announcement is expected shortly.
