Inspector Drake's date with a Black Widow!

DO YOU need cheering up during these dark winter days?

Then head to the Caxton Theatre to catch a hilarious performance written by David Tristram.

Inspector Drake And The Black Widow will be shown at the theatre from tomorrow until Saturday, March 9.

Director Jane Stolworthy said: "I think this is the funniest to date.

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"It involves a lot of physical humour, which isn't something we do a lot of at Caxton.

"Also there is only a cast of three, so they've had to work hard during rehearsals, not helped by the fact that we have been falling about laughing a lot of the time!'

The play is set in a country house where oil tycoon John Johnson is found with a huge sword in his back.

It looks like a straightforward case of dying illegally. But things in Drake's (played by Derek Hodges) world are never as they seem.

Why was Johnson badly disguised as his own wife? Why had he eaten a tortoise? And why do all the women (Amanda Hodges) in the house look similar?

For once, Sergeant Plod (Nigel Stolworthy) thinks he knows all the answers. And so he should. After all, he's relating the events through a series of flashbacks, so he knows how it all ends.

But if Plod is right, the legendary Inspector Drake is about to make a terrible mistake. And there's something even more disturbing.

The trusty Sergeant has been troubled by a recurring nightmare. It's a nightmare involving spiders, and the image of a man, lying dead. That man is Inspector Drake. Is this just another confusing flashback? Or the horrible truth of Drake's final destiny? After all, when the Black Widow lays her deadly trap, it's just a matter of time.

Jane added: "There are loads of props used during this play and the stage manager has had to charm local people and businesses for the loan of various bits and pieces. Many thanks to all those involved!"

The set builders have had to use their imagination, too, as in addition to the normal room interior, they have been busy making various pieces of furniture.

Jane previously directed September In The Rain in the Novartis Suite. This was a sell-out success which resulted in an extra night being staged.

She said: "There is a big difference directing on the main stage, but with the assistance of a wonderful crew of people, I believe we have achieved an extremely enjoyable production.

"People will be leaving the theatre with their sides aching."

Tickets cost £6 in advance and £6.50 on the door. The show begins at 7.30pm and tickets are available at the Caxton Ticket Office in the Grimsby Library, online at www.caxtontheatre.com or by phone on 01472 346251.