Step into the enthralling world of Agatha Christie’s spellbinding play, Spider’s Web, where hidden secrets and intricate deceptions intertwine to create a tapestry of suspense. Join the vibrant and resourceful Clarissa Hailsham-Brown as she embarks on an extraordinary journey to unravel a mysterious murder that threatens to tarnish her family’s esteemed reputation. Spider’s Web performs on stage at Titchfield Festival Theatre from 8 – 18 May 2024.

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Simon Frost talks to Catherine Gunter who is directing Spider’s Web.

Simon: What initially drew you to directing Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Web?

Catherine: Mystery is, by far, my favourite genre – whether novel, film or play. It gives the audience a chance to become the detective, seeing how their predictions hold up by the end of the story. As Agatha Christie is the “Queen of Crime”, it’s always been a dream to be able to direct one of her murder mysteries.  Spider’s Web is almost an anomaly for Christie, as the audience finds themselves hoping the detective fails – quite different to the Poirot and Miss Marple tales. It was this contrast, as well as the play’s unexpected humour, that really drew me to directing Spider’s Web.

Simon: This play is a classic whodunnit. How are you approaching the balance between suspense and humour in your production?

Catherine: Suspense in Spider’s Web comes from actually hoping the murder can be covered up, with each character’s interrogation from the inspector slowly increasing the tension. The play incorporates some well-loved murder mystery tropes – including characters, set and initial plot points. However, these conventions almost parody themselves, displaying a self-awareness that most audiences fully anticipate the elements of within a whodunnit. Luckily, Agatha Christie has a few tricks up her sleeve to keep even the most experienced armchair detective on their toes.

Simon: Agatha Christie is well known for often exploring themes of social class and hidden secrets. Are there any specific themes that you are emphasising in your interpretation?

Catherine: This interpretation of Spider’s Web has been placed in the modern day, with most of the characters coming from old money. This aspect of high social class is often poked fun at and is sometimes presented in a caricature-like nature throughout the play. The movie, Knives Out, has definitely been a big inspiration in terms of content and aesthetic, as well as the classic game of Cluedo. As for hidden secrets, I’d hate to give anything away too soon...

Simon: The play features a strong female lead, Clarissa. How are you shaping her character for this production?

Catherine: Clarissa is a brilliant protagonist. Her character fits perfectly into 2024 – she is often aware of her own privilege, and that of others, and can humorously draw attention to these matters. She can be very calculated and uses her charming demeanour to hide her incredible intelligence and quick wit.

Despite this, Clarissa still has flaws. She has a reputation of twisting the truth and this unreliability is what could cause her facade to be seen through.

Simon: What kind of atmosphere are you trying to create during rehearsals to best capture the spirit of the play?

Catherine: The show is a hybrid of humour and suspense, meaning the rehearsals require a mix of depicting exaggerated characterisation and genuine emotion. This variety keeps the content of rehearsals engaging and fresh. The play is quite heavily ensemble-based, meaning rehearsals involve plenty of interaction between characters to ensure that relationships look as authentic as possible onstage.

Simon: Spider’s Web features a unique cast of characters. Can you tell us a bit about the casting process and what you were looking for in each role?

Catherine: Like with most murder mysteries, the characters – or suspects – have very differing and specific personalities. I therefore wanted this to be reflected in the cast itself, as well as in aspects such as costume. It was important that some characters were more exaggerated in certain aspects than others. For example, Sir Rowland and Miss Peake are often completely over-the-top in both dialogue and action, compared to the more naturalistic characters of Jeremy and the Inspector himself. It’s then up to the audience to decide who might be hiding a motive for murder.

Thank you, Catherine.

Spider’s Web performs in the Oak Theatre at Titchfield Festival Theatre from 8 – 18 May 2024. For more information including booking tickets please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/  or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.