Greed, intrigue and murder combine in this classic thriller, made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1954 film. Sheila seems to have it all, but when a past lover reappears in her life, her husband Tony spots a perfect, and deadly, opportunity to steal it from her.
Almost 75 years ago, viewers were enthralled when the BBC televised a thriller called Dial M for Murder. Written by Frederick Knott, the script was quickly turned into a cinema blockbuster by the ‘Master of Suspense’ himself, Sir Alfred Hitchcock. This Harborough Theatre production showed why this sharply written piece still has audiences on the edge of their seats.
Tony Wendice, a retired tennis star, discovers his wealthy wife, Sheila, has had an affair. Rather than divorce and risk losing her fortune, he devises a plot to murder her. He blackmails an old schoolfriend into doing the deed, which goes horribly wrong when Sheila kills the would-be murderer during the attack.
Dipesh Lakhani, as Tony, was consistently and coldly sinister throughout and Gemma Barder’s charmingly naive air as Sheila was the perfect contrast. Chris Raymakers as Captain Lesgate, the murderer turned victim, gained momentum as the plot progressed. Paul Barrass was confident as the level-headed American lover, Max Halliday, adding to the intrigue with his crime-writing skills in his attempt to save Sheila’s life.
Unusually, it was the obligatory police inspector who proved the star of this show, both in plot and performance. Often it can be the dullest role, but as Inspector Hubbard, Tom Mackenzie turned in a relaxed, well-timed and totally convincing interpretation.
The cast was completed by Simon Palmer as a police officer and the voice of Charles Hilsdon, radio announcer.
— Edited from Gordon Birch’s review in the Harborough Mail
Sheila – Gemma Barder
Max Halliday – Paul Barrass
Tony Wendice – Dipesh Lakhani
Captain Lesgate – Chris Raymakers
Inspector Hubbard – Tom Mackenzie
Police Inspector – Simon Palmer
Photography by Andy Wallace
Directed by Sue Waller, assisted by Jan Wilson
This amateur production of Dial M for Murder is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French, Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk