Web of Murder

Reviewed by Sue Ellis of the Eckington Leader

Web of Murder

In her brooding Victorian mansion high on the cliffs overlooking the ocean rich, eccentric and manipulative Minerva Osterman (Linda Munton) has called together her potential heirs for an advance reading of her will. She knows that it will please some and disappoint others – murder ensures, the Will disappears and the diabolic plot unfolds – thus setting the scene for this latest production from the City Players at the Corner Playhouse which runs until Saturday November 1.

Web of Murder

As always with the City Players production standards are extremely high and the performances excellent – making their mark in this production were newcomers Naomi Shaw (Mary Hamilton) and Joe Hardman (Keith Latimer).

Wheelchair-bound Minerva careers across the stage tormenting her daughter Stephanie (Amanda Whelan); she is being hypnotised by Dr Adler (Matthew Joynes) and blackmailed by an unnamed man (Mick Davison) – all under the all seeing eye of housekeeper, Nora (Carole Wilkinson).

The plot thickens as secrets are revealed, red herrings and spiders abound very satisfyingly with lighter moments provided by the interplay between Belle Hamilton (Alex Dornan) and Pete Martinelli (Todd Hardman) – ‘Web of Murder’ written by Jonathon Troy is a well-crafted murder mystery which gives the City Players much scope to play to their strengths and one which was thoroughly enjoyed by the opening night audience.


Ellis, Susan. "Web of Murder". Eckington Leader, October 2014. Print.