Daniel Abbott stars as Edmund Crowe in The Rat Trap, Noël Coward’s first play, reimagined by Bill Rosenfield for its centenary year. This stylish revival brings Coward’s wit and dark humour to life at Park Theatre.
Directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward, the production explores ambition, love and betrayal in 1920s Belgravia, offering a fresh take on a classic that feels strikingly relevant today.
The Rat Trap runs at Park Theatre from 28 January to 14 March 2026. For tickets, click here.
You’re starring in The Rat Trap at Park Theatre – what can you tell us about the show?
It is the first play that Coward wrote at 18 years old, but it has a maturity and a knowing to it that would have you questioning that.
It follows the ups and downs of a relationship and all the joy, turmoil and heartache that that brings.
What drew you to the role of Edmund Crowe in this centenary reimagining of Noël Coward’s first play?
Many things. A big draw was another chance to work with our director Kirsty Patrick Ward, who I’d previously worked with on the Mischief play Groan Ups and on a short film called Progress.
Edmund and his partner Naomi are such loveable buffoons that it’s so much fun to be able to try and bring that to life, especially as a direct antithesis to the passion and emotion of Keld and Sheila.
How does Bill Rosenfield’s adaptation bring a fresh perspective to Coward’s original work?
In my opinion, what Bill has managed to do so well is streamline the show and really allow each character’s voice to come through loud and clear.
When you have such incredible source material, I think it’s about looking at it through a modern-day lens, thinking about what story you want to tell, how that will appeal to the audience, and adjusting accordingly.
The play explores ambition and relationships in 1920s Belgravia – how do those themes resonate with audiences today?
In whatever time period or environment, both relationships and ambition are a constant.
The desire to evolve, whether personally or as a couple, is something that I think anyone can relate to. The sacrifices we make, either as an individual or together, rightly or wrongly, are something we will always grapple with.
The play is about navigating that, and I think that will always resonate with people.
You’ve worked on a wide range of productions from Shakespeare to contemporary drama – how does The Rat Trap compare?
I’ve been very fortunate to work on some incredible projects, but the thing that’s special about The Rat Trap is that it has been done so rarely.
What a treat to get to be part of a play that so few others have had the opportunity to do.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Rat Trap?
Do it! It’s a rare opportunity to see a show that even Coward never saw performed.
It’s full of passion and wit, and it’s a play that I believe will stay with people afterwards.
