THE FACT Spider’s Web by Agatha Christie is still being performed in theatres 70 years after it was premiered in the West End is a testament to the writing and its relevance today.
The suspenseful yet also funny murder mystery had the audience hooked with its twists and turns, and the intricate set with plenty of hidden detail also helped increase the intrigue.
Vicky Moloney as Clarissa Hailsham-Brown had clearly put a lot of thought into every line she delivered and made playing the protagonist look effortless.
David Goode, playing Clarissa’s lovable uncle and detective Sir Rowland Delahaye, had audiences poised in their seats as he delved into what could have happened and mapped out his findings.
James Cowlishaw perfectly played the somewhat slow Hugo Birch – you just wanted to give him a hug and bring his character up-to-speed. He also came in handy asking questions which were on the audience’s lips (had they fallen behind the plot).
Despite only being his second production at the Norbury Theatre, Carl Paskin took the character of Jeremy Warrender in his stride, and he is destined to play bigger roles in the future.
Zena Schtyk, who played Mildred Peake, provided the lion’s share of the humour and her contagious laugh rippled through the audience each time she exited the action.
Hugh Raymer not only shone but also showing his versatility, playing two characters – Elgin, the butler and Mr Hailsham-Brown. He did the job that well, many of us didn’t realise it was the same actor until the interval.
From being a frail old butler to a wealthy businessman, he delivered both roles with professionalism and his lines well. Impressive, having stepped into the breach to play the butler at short notice because of cast illness.
The youngest member of the cast, Phoebe Fisher, was a delight to watch and is making quite a name for herself on the Norbury stage.
There are two more chances to catch the show – tonight (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday).
Self-titled super sleuths need to pop on their detective hats and head down to the Norbury and see if they can work out who is trapping who in the Spider’s Web.
Click here for times, tickets and more information.
