Deathtrap is a play written by Ira Levin in 1978 with many plot twists and which references itself as a play within a play.

The show holds the record for the longest running comedy-thriller on Broadway and was also nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play. 'Deathtrap' was also adapted into a film starring Christopher Reeve, Michael Caine, and Dyan Cannon in 1982.

I think I stepped into the auditorium with some sweeping assumptions about the play, I'd very naively lumped it into the 'Agatha Christie' category and likened it to 'another thriller like the rest'.

Whilst there's (somewhat intentional) comparisons to be drawn with shows such as 'The Mousetrap' and 'Dial M For Murder' - especially when it comes to staging and flow - this is far more than another addition to that run of productions.

Starring five principal cast members, the show starts with a literal bang as we're introduced to Sidney Bruhl (Paul Bradley; Holby City, Eastenders) and his wife Myra (Jessie Wallace; Eastenders, Chicago). Both Bradley and Wallace present slick interpretations of their respective roles and play their parts with such exquisite complexity that, for the first time in a long time I've been genuinely shocked by the twists and turns the show takes you on.

There is nothing straight forward about the plot of 'Deathtrap' and, whilst it's definitely not all about scaring the audience - rather it makes you question your pre-conceptions - there were definitely some audible screams from the audience. The show is incredibly clever and will absolutely make you question your initial thoughts.

I think it's fair to say that the looks on most people's faces as they left the theatre, and the resounding sigh's of 'I think I need to calm down!' proves the show is an out and out success.

Deathtrap runs at the New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 11th November. For details and tickets, visit atgtickets.com/birmingham.