Gary Webster Joins Shogun Films’ British Horror Film ‘Doctor Plague’
British actor Gary Webster, renowned for his role as Ray Daley in the classic television series Minder, has joined the cast of Shogun Films’ upcoming serial killer movie Doctor Plague. The film already boasts a notable ensemble, including Martin Kemp (The Krays), Peter Woodward (Babylon 5), Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott (Helloween), David Yip (A View To A Kill), and Wendy Glenn (You’re Next).
Webster is well-known to British audiences not only for Minder but also for his performances in the cult soap Family Affairs and a memorable stint in EastEnders. His extensive television credits include appearances in Boon, Taggart, Hollyoaks, Urban Gothic, Crossroads, and Casualty. He made his film debut in the cult classic Empire State in 1987 and is also a distinguished theatre actor, having recently toured the UK in an acclaimed adaptation of Twelve Angry Men alongside Dallas star Patrick Duffy.
In Doctor Plague, Webster plays Eddie Crawford, an old-school Fleet Street newspaper editor who believes there is a cover-up regarding the Plague murders. Determined to uncover the truth, Crawford aims to break the story of the century. The film follows grizzled London detective John Verney, portrayed by Kemp, as he investigates a serial killer dressed as a Plague Doctor, navigating a terrifying conspiracy linked to a murderous ancient cult once led by Jack the Ripper.
Jonathan Sothcott, founder of Shogun Films and casting director, expressed his excitement about working with Webster, stating, “I’ve wanted to work with Gary for many years. He’s a terrific actor and fits perfectly into the heavyweight ensemble cast we’ve assembled. I grew up watching Minder, and he’s always been a favorite. One of our aims at Shogun Films is to collaborate with great British actors, and I hope this will be the first of many projects together.”
Webster shared his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I have been a longtime admirer of Jonathan’s work and his ability to bring projects from script to screen successfully. I was thrilled to be asked to be in Doctor Plague, especially as it involves acting opposite Jeanine, whose performances continue to impress. If you had told me in the '80s that I would be working in a film with Martin Kemp, I would have thought I was dreaming. I hope this will be the first of many collaborations with Jonathan and his great team.”
Doctor Plague was filmed on location in London and East Sussex, as well as at Guildford Studios in Surrey. The film is set to be released by Trinity Creative Partnership later in 2025.
Shogun Films has recently completed production on the espionage thriller Knightfall, featuring Geoffrey Moore, son of Sir Roger Moore, and Ian Ogilvy. Upcoming projects for 2025 include the action/horror film Werewolf Hunt, the action crime thriller Killer Instinct, and horror films Harbinger, Midnight Kiss, and The Secret of Guy Fawkes.
