It's a Spider's Web of a mystery at manor house

Torchlight Mysteries has teamed up with Wymering Manor Trust to put on the first in a series of theatre events performed in different rooms in the house.

Some of the money raised from the intimate show will go towards the restoration of the manor, one of Portsmouth’s oldest houses.

Actors Peter Colley, Peter McCrohon, Maria Kennedy, Geoffrey Pye, Becky James, Ian Shaw, and Ben McCready, under the direction of Lewis Bailey, will appear in the classic mystery Spider’s Web, from November 6 to 15.

It will be staged in the Great Hall, a space that holds just 30 people per performance.

Torchlight Mysteries’ founder Jonathan Fost, who also appears in the play, said: ‘This is a tremendous opportunity for a new audience to discover Wymering Manor and to experience it in a different light.

‘When we first looked at the various different areas of the house, it was apparent that there are endless possibilities.

‘But the Great Hall at the centre of the house just screamed Agatha Christie at us.’

Mr Fost has worked closely with the trust to ensure the event is respectful of its rich heritage and the planned programme of future theatre events not only helps to raise funds for its preservation, but that it promotes the manor’s unique style and mysterious story.

Mentioned in the Doomsday Book, the manor has been at the heart of the community since the Tudor period.

Mr Fost added: ‘This particular play is a great one to kick off with, as it’s a very witty thriller.

‘There are lots of laughs along with the mystery. People don’t think of Christie writing comedies, but this play shows that she certainly had a flair for witty repartee on stage.’

The capacity for each night is small so it is advised you book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are £15. For more information call 01962 435020 or go to torchlightmysteries.com.