WHAT better way to round off the Colchester Theatre Group’s year than with a play they have never d o n e before?

In fact, in their 60-year history the troupe have never done any Agatha Christie.

Spider’s Web, which they are about to perform at the Headgate Theatre this week, has all the twists, turns and red herrings you would expect from a whodunnit, which is why director, Mike Poole chose it.

He says: “I did Spider’s Web with the Orpen Players about ten years ago and out of all the Agatha Christie plays I think it’s the best. There are red herrings all over the place and of course you never really know who has done it until right at the very end.

“I think because a lot of the other groups around here were doing Christie, we never felt the need to, but as soon as I was asked to direct the show I immediately thought of Agatha Christie and this particular play.”

As a life member of the Colchester Theatre Group, the longest serving and also chairman of the troupe for nine years, it seems wholly appropriate that it should be Mike directing this production which will round off their very successful anniversary year in style.

“I started right from school in January 1961,” he tells me. “It was down to the local drama critic who came to see my school production and afterwards told me I should continue with the acting.”

Putting Mike in touch with the Colchester Theatre Group, so began a lifelong relationship not only with that troupe but many others in and around the town too.

“Oh I’ve performed with quite a few,” he smiles.

“I was involved with the Royal London group, the Orpen Players in West Bergholt, Alresford, Bentley Green, the Saxon Players in Frinton, and Clacton Amateur Dramatic Society.”

One of Mike’s fondest moments was when the Colchester Theatre Group decided to do Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in February.

He adds: “It was when the group were at St Martin’s Church in West Stockwell Street and there was snow outside.

“We were all wearing Greekstyle togas and we had to go outside to make out entrance through the side door. We were freezing.”

The new show has a more cosy setting.

Mike says: “We want to give it that real Fifties feel so the front of house will all be done up and we’ll be singing the National Anthem before the show starts.”

Spider’s Web Headgate Theatre, Chapel Street North, Colchester.

Tonight to Saturday. 7.45pm plus 2.30pm extra show on Saturday.

£10, £8 concessions. 01206 366000. headgatetheatre.co.uk