When writer Frederick Knott first wrote Dial M for Murder, he struggled to persuade anyone to show it in the years after the Second World War. Yet nearly 70 years later, the popular thriller play is still successfully touring the UK in a slightly revamped production directed by Anthony Banks.
Set in London in 1963, Tony Wendice (Tom Chambers) is a charming yet sociopathic suburban husband who has discovered his wife Margot (Sally Bretton) has been having an affair with thriller crime writer Max Halliday (Michael Salami).
He devises a cruel masterplan to murder his wife, enlisting the help of Captain Lesgate to carry out the plan and ensure it is the perfect crime. Without revealing any spoilers, the many twists and turns of the plot add depth and intrigue to the story as is races towards its tense and dramatic conclusion.
Chambers, television star and previous winner on Strictly Come Dancing, is perfectly cast as the smooth and charming yet deeply disturbing Tony. While at times the character is jittery and on the verge of a breakdown as he has to think on his feet and cover his tracks, he always exudes an air of confident superiority.
Chambers truly offers a deep insight into the inner mind of a mastermind criminal through his dramatic performance combined with superb writing. He is well supported on stage by Bretton as his unassuming and trusting wife as she is torn between her commitment to her husband and covering her affair.
Adam Morris who plays a dual role in the play also shines in the role of Inspector Hubbard. His dry sense of humour and facial expressions as he pieces the clues of the murder together prompts many laughs from the audience.
The simplistic one scene set uses clever lighting and music cues in keeping with the era to build an unsettling and tense atmosphere.
There is a definite nod to the signature style of Hitchcock who made a Hollywood film of the play in 1954.
Fans of the play and the film will be thoroughly entertained by this rather disturbing and intriguing thriller.