Review: SPIDER'S WEB at TAFE: Theatre Arts For Everyone

TAFE: Theatre Arts for Everyone will present Spider’s Web onstage from August 22 to 25 under the direction of Quinton Laughman.  This well-loved detective comedy was written by Agatha Christie in 1953 and first premiered in London in 1954.  The role of Clarissa was written specifically for Margaret Lockwood who portrayed the character in London and when the show was adapted for television in 1955.

Erica Collison’s portrayal of the flirty and mischievous Clarissa added comedy and playfulness to the show.  She kept the momentum of the story moving forward.  My other favorite characters were Mildred Peak, played by Cary Darrow, and Constable Jones, played by Gina Wagner.  Both added moments of laughter and flair to the show.  The show is set in the parlor of the Hailsham-Brown family and was designed by Jason Collison.  I liked the little details added to created the feel of the 1950’s era.

The cast includes Erica Collison (Clarissa Hailsham-Brown), Karly Mohr (Sir Rowland Delahaye), Bryn Walker (Hugo Birch), Cam Mooney (Jeremy Warrender),  Danielle Collison (Pippa Hailsham-Brown), Caryn Darrow (Mildred Peake), Kevin Keith Allen (Elgin), Kade Junk (Oliver Costello), Jason Collison (Henry Hailsham-Brown), Kimarhi Garcia (Inspector Lord), and Gina Wagner (Constable Jones).  One of these characters is murdered, and one of them is the murderer!