The Spider's Web ****1/2
Mon, 20 Nov 2006, 12:55 pmGordon the Optom2 posts in thread
The Spider's Web ****1/2
Mon, 20 Nov 2006, 12:55 pmAgatha Christie’s ‘The Spider’s Web’ is running at the Old Mill, South Perth at 8 pm on weekends until 3rd December.
The curtains opened to applause, as the audience showed their appreciation of the excellent set that depicted the lounge of a mansion in Kent. Like all good murder stories this has French windows, a murder in the first few minutes and a secret passage. I recognised the story, but sufficient changes have been made to this play, compared to the TV version, that you will still be kept up in the air as to the identity of the murderer. The few red herrings were skilfully presented, and I am sure will have misled many.
I thought that the pace was slightly slow, only to hear an older member of the audience (and many were seniors) say afterwards that she was confused and that ‘there were too many words’, so perhaps Claudette Ridout's first-class direction was correctly paced.
The acting standard was generally above average, with each actor capturing their character perfectly, I particularly liked the horsy gardener, Miss Peake. Two of the minor parts were first-rate, they were Tim Prosser as the as the constable, who was filled with his own grandeur, and Jacinta Kotula as the typically bolshy young daughter (this part alternates with Shayla Brown).
There was a chronological error, the play was stated as being set in ‘the1930s’ – as per the original book - but there were references to Chris Chattaway and Roger Bannister. The butler’s name Elgin (from the town, Marbles and Lord Elgin) is pronounced with the gin as in McGinty.
A most enjoyable professional show, with the audience’s curiosity and anticipation being held throughout. Recommended.
The curtains opened to applause, as the audience showed their appreciation of the excellent set that depicted the lounge of a mansion in Kent. Like all good murder stories this has French windows, a murder in the first few minutes and a secret passage. I recognised the story, but sufficient changes have been made to this play, compared to the TV version, that you will still be kept up in the air as to the identity of the murderer. The few red herrings were skilfully presented, and I am sure will have misled many.
I thought that the pace was slightly slow, only to hear an older member of the audience (and many were seniors) say afterwards that she was confused and that ‘there were too many words’, so perhaps Claudette Ridout's first-class direction was correctly paced.
The acting standard was generally above average, with each actor capturing their character perfectly, I particularly liked the horsy gardener, Miss Peake. Two of the minor parts were first-rate, they were Tim Prosser as the as the constable, who was filled with his own grandeur, and Jacinta Kotula as the typically bolshy young daughter (this part alternates with Shayla Brown).
There was a chronological error, the play was stated as being set in ‘the1930s’ – as per the original book - but there were references to Chris Chattaway and Roger Bannister. The butler’s name Elgin (from the town, Marbles and Lord Elgin) is pronounced with the gin as in McGinty.
A most enjoyable professional show, with the audience’s curiosity and anticipation being held throughout. Recommended.
Gordon the OptomMon, 20 Nov 2006, 12:55 pm
Agatha Christie’s ‘The Spider’s Web’ is running at the Old Mill, South Perth at 8 pm on weekends until 3rd December.
The curtains opened to applause, as the audience showed their appreciation of the excellent set that depicted the lounge of a mansion in Kent. Like all good murder stories this has French windows, a murder in the first few minutes and a secret passage. I recognised the story, but sufficient changes have been made to this play, compared to the TV version, that you will still be kept up in the air as to the identity of the murderer. The few red herrings were skilfully presented, and I am sure will have misled many.
I thought that the pace was slightly slow, only to hear an older member of the audience (and many were seniors) say afterwards that she was confused and that ‘there were too many words’, so perhaps Claudette Ridout's first-class direction was correctly paced.
The acting standard was generally above average, with each actor capturing their character perfectly, I particularly liked the horsy gardener, Miss Peake. Two of the minor parts were first-rate, they were Tim Prosser as the as the constable, who was filled with his own grandeur, and Jacinta Kotula as the typically bolshy young daughter (this part alternates with Shayla Brown).
There was a chronological error, the play was stated as being set in ‘the1930s’ – as per the original book - but there were references to Chris Chattaway and Roger Bannister. The butler’s name Elgin (from the town, Marbles and Lord Elgin) is pronounced with the gin as in McGinty.
A most enjoyable professional show, with the audience’s curiosity and anticipation being held throughout. Recommended.
The curtains opened to applause, as the audience showed their appreciation of the excellent set that depicted the lounge of a mansion in Kent. Like all good murder stories this has French windows, a murder in the first few minutes and a secret passage. I recognised the story, but sufficient changes have been made to this play, compared to the TV version, that you will still be kept up in the air as to the identity of the murderer. The few red herrings were skilfully presented, and I am sure will have misled many.
I thought that the pace was slightly slow, only to hear an older member of the audience (and many were seniors) say afterwards that she was confused and that ‘there were too many words’, so perhaps Claudette Ridout's first-class direction was correctly paced.
The acting standard was generally above average, with each actor capturing their character perfectly, I particularly liked the horsy gardener, Miss Peake. Two of the minor parts were first-rate, they were Tim Prosser as the as the constable, who was filled with his own grandeur, and Jacinta Kotula as the typically bolshy young daughter (this part alternates with Shayla Brown).
There was a chronological error, the play was stated as being set in ‘the1930s’ – as per the original book - but there were references to Chris Chattaway and Roger Bannister. The butler’s name Elgin (from the town, Marbles and Lord Elgin) is pronounced with the gin as in McGinty.
A most enjoyable professional show, with the audience’s curiosity and anticipation being held throughout. Recommended.
stingerFri, 24 Nov 2006, 04:05 pm
Spider's Web of Words
I agree with that "older member of the audience". The play scoots along through the first Act, slows perceptibly once the interrogations begin and positively grinds to a halt in the third Act as the playwright piles on the previously-undisclosed background information in an attempt to justify the surprise ending. That's what often happens when a successful mystery novel is adapted for the stage. As an audient of middle age, I find that rather irritating.
I do agree with Gordon about the two minor parts and Tim Prosser's excellent artwork. I am however at a complete loss as to how he allocates his asterisk-ratings!
Ssstinger>>>