Peter Saunders (impresario)

Sir Peter Saunders
Born	(1911-11-23)23 November 1911 Swiss Cottage,London,England
Died	6 February 2003(2003-02-06)(aged 91) Hampstead, London,England
Occupation	Theatrical producer
Known for	Producing and promotingThe Mousetrap(1952–1994)
Spouse(s)	Ann Stewart (–1976) Katie Boyle(1979–2003)
Relatives	Charles Saunders(brother)

Sir Peter Saunders(23 November 1911 – 6 February 2003)was anEnglishtheatreimpresario,notable for his production of the long-runningAgatha Christiemurder mystery,The Mousetrap.

Early life and career

Saunders was born inSwiss Cottage,London.His father died in aswimmingaccident (with the boy on his back), and he was subsequently educated atOundle Schooland inLausanne, Switzerland,thanks to an aunt's sponsorship. Although his mother advised him to get a job withHarrodsafter completing his education, he instead followed his older brother, thefilm directorCharles Saunders,intoshowbusiness,working at afilm studioas acameramanand director. Following spells as anewspaper reporterandpress agent(toHarry Roy,among others), he served in theSecond World Waras anArmy captainin theIntelligence Corps,and following the end of hostilities, he moved intotheatre production.

Saunders purchased theVaudeville Theatrein 1969. Prior to his most famous adaptation of a book, by the same author, he saw the value ofAgatha Christie's writing as suitable for theatre during his UK tours withMurder at the VicarageandBlack Coffee,and his staging ofThe Hollow,which ran in theWest End of Londonfor almost a year. In 1968, he took out a longleaseon London'sSt Martin's Theatre,in West Street nearCharing Cross Road.

The Mousetrap

Saunders' most notable production wasThe Mousetrap,adapted for the stage by Christie, from her short storyThree Blind Mice.It began its run at theAmbassadors Theatrein the West End on 25 November 1952, switched once in 1974 to St Martin's Theatre next door, and continues there to this day, making it the longest unbroken sequence of performances in world theatre history. After relinquishing his direct involvement in the production of the play, he spent many years casting for roles annually, and also promoting it at every opportunity. He finally cut his ties with the play upon his retirement in 1994.

Personal life

Until her death in 1976, Saunders was married to Ann Stewart. In 1979, he remarried, this time to TV personalityKatie Boyle,who survived him. He had no children. In 1972, he published his autobiographyThe Mousetrap Man;and, in 1982, he was knighted.In 1992, his life was celebrated during his appearance on the long-running TV seriesThis Is Your Life.He died inHampstead, London.

External links

• Sir Peter SaundersatIMDb