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Dial M for Murder may have been made famous by Alfred Hitchcock in the 1950s, but it started life as TV play and then stage production.
But it’s not your typical murder mystery…
Can you commit the perfect murder?
Tony Wendice is a recently retired tennis player who becomes suspicious of his unfaithful wife and soon sets his heart on revenge. The age-old question is asked. Can you commit the perfect murder? Well Tony is certain he can and before he knows it, he is tangled in a web so sticky, it’s thrilling to watch him wriggle free of it.
What makes this play stand out from the rest is that you become co-conspirators. You know exactly when, where, who and how this killing will happen. Your perspective is shifted and you’re suddenly excited to part of this game called murder.
The first act is very much scene setting. The scene between Tony and his assassin, Captain Lesgate, is masterfully written and superbly acted. The power play as they size each other up and darkly curate the conversation to the killing, is fascinating.
But it is the second act that I was fully invested in. How will Detective Hubbard solve this crime? Is this truly the perfect murder? I was literally on the edge of my seat.
Want to learn of more thriller plays? Don’t forget to read my review of The House on Cold Hill and The Girl on the Train
Putting a spotlight on the culprits
Tom Chambers is transformed as Tony Wendice. He is suitably unhinged, strange and clearly a man who’s spiralling into madness. And Tom is still able to bring the humour and comic nuances making him an entertaining watch.
Diana Vickers as his wife, Margot Wendice, is sold short by such terribly written females in the 50s. The character is a little bland with no drive, other than a sex one that prompts this disaster. But she does manage to inject life and personality into the role with her charm and confidence.
Her lover, Max Halliday, is the most naturally likeable character of them all and Michael Salami brings a lot of energy and passion into the scenes.
But my standout has to be Christopher Harper who plays both the murderer Captain Lusgate and Inspector Hubbard. You would not believe it is the same man playing these roles! His depiction of the northern Detective is quirky, focused and witty, and left me wondering what a great TV role he’d make it into.
This ace cast, together with creative lighting and masterful writing, produce a truly gripping piece of theatre.
Playing at The Lowry until Saturday 30 November 2021.
Find out when Dial M For Murder is coming near you.