UK Theatre Network

Spider’s Web by Agatha Christie.

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday 20^th April 2009.

Agatha Christie is famous for murder mysteries and true to form this is a murder mystery but it is so much more. It is a fast paced, incredibly funny play with a feel good factor. It is evocative of a simpler time which some might consider more civilised. This play is definitely one of her best and is made even better by this company. Enough about the play, there is very little you can say about a mystery without revealing the plot; suffice to say if you go to see this you will not be disappointed.

There is a single set comprising of the drawing room of a country house with a view into the library and a French window leading to the garden. It is what you would expect of such a location with appropriate attention to detail, the overall effect being very professional.

The costume is also simple but appropriate and I thought the plus fours worn by Hugo were a particularly nice touch, as was the watch chain worn by Rowly. Clarissa’s dress was a good example of 1950’s fashion.

Inspector Lord is admirably played by Dennis Lill who portrays an old style Police Inspector with a quiet competence which is difficult to emulate.

Melanie Gutteridge is excellent in the role of Clarissa Hailsham-Brown, entirely believable and so pleasantly charismatic she quickly feels like an old friend, thus allowing both other actors and the audience to overlook her blatant untruths.

Catherine Shipton takes the part of the gardener Mildred Peake which she does in a “jolly hockey sticks” style and yet is incredibly menacing with a garden fork in her hand. I found her very amusing in this role.

Jeremy Warrender is played by Ben Nealon who makes the most of this part as an extremely eligible young man.

Bruce Montague plays the avuncular Sir Rowland Delahaye and I’m sure anyone who sees this play will agree that Rowly is a thoroughly good egg.

Mark Wynter takes the part of local magistrate Hugo Birch a character made all the more endearing by his slight speech impediment.

Karen Elliott is not a child although this is hard to believe when she plays Pippa Hailsham-Brown so well. She has mastered the technique normally only seen in nine year olds of either being stationary or running at full pelt with no stage in between. Her facial expressions were also very good.

Michael Gabe plays the butler Elgin with distinct overtones of Uriah Heap without being an exact copy, thus allowing other aspects of the character to be seen. I found this character quite amusing also.

Lucas Hare is Clarissa’s husband Henry Hailsham-Brown and is very plausible as that character.

Matthew Hebdon plays Oliver Costello and is very accomplished in the role.

Mark Rose takes the part of Constable Jones and is lucky enough to have one of the funniest roles in the play and makes the most of it.

The lighting was used to create different effects throughout the play. It was clearly well designed and operated.

The music was appropriate for the era; the sound quality was good and the volume just right.

I really enjoyed this production which was very professional, well performed and funny. What more can you ask.

Spider’s Web plays Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 25^th April 2009. Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0870 060 6652 (bkg fee). The tour then continues playing Devonshire Park Eastbourne from 27^th April to 2^nd May 2009.

www.miltonkeynestheatre.com www.kenwright.com

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday 20^th April 2009 on behalf of Catherine Brian.