Cast

Synopsis

Do you really believe in the perfect murder?

This chillingly sinister thriller is a tale of greed, infidelity, deceit and a murder plan gone wrong.

Glamorous socialite Sheila Wendice has it all: a wide circle of friends, an idyllic lifestyle and a charismatic husband, Tony, who has given up his tennis career for her. But under the elegant façade, is it all as perfect as it seems? Torn between love and duty, Sheila finds herself caught up in a dramatic tale of jealousy and blackmail, and at the centre of a murder plot orchestrated by her husband.

When old flame Max visits from overseas, Sheila sends him off with her husband to enjoy a night on the town and she curls up in bed for an early night. Tony dials home to Maida Vale to set his murder plot in motion, but his right number gets the wrong answer and gleaming scissors become a deadly weapon. Sheila’s evening takes a sinister turn and suddenly she finds herself fighting for her life.

Made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’ world-renowned film of 1954, Dial M for Murder is full of spine-chilling twists, turns and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Directors Notes

Frederick Knott wrote his play in the years after the Second World War (1948) and it took him 18 months to do it. It was rejected by publishers at first but then the BBC adapted it for TV in 1951, broadcasting it in 1952. It moved quickly to stage later that year due to its popularity and ultimately was made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s film in 1954, originally shot in 3D. Bingley Little Theatre presented Dial M for Murder in 1955 and again in 2003.

On the surface, it might seem that there’s a polite 1950s veneer to start with but we soon realise it’s a very dark thriller about killing a woman. We spy into her life, watch as she is placed directly in danger, her seemingly idyllic life slips away as she experiences a catastrophic, terrifying event, and faces losing it all. For me, this play is not a whodunit –it’s a why? It’s a “will-he-get-away-with-it” psychological thriller. We, the audience, get to be in the shoes of the would-be murderer and identify with the (charming) villain from the outset.

The play is packed with false suspicions and accusations, lies and deception, betrayals and double-crosses, game-playing and confusion. It focuses on human nature: love and hate, jealousy and greed, injured pride and revenge. There is a constant shifting of perspectives and different viewpoints which I wanted to try to create with an abstract, off-kilter set design and style. Nobody is really what they say they are or what they seem to be at first.

Although many may criticise Dial M For Murder as being a dated play, written over 70 years ago, I think it transcends the decades and is still relevant in 2023. The ancient Greeks were great at these psychological thrillers; Hamlet by Shakespeare is one; and today we see the likes of it with the Nordic Noir series and Sherlock on TV. I’m very grateful to have had such a talented cast and creative production team working with me to bring this play to life.We hope that you’ll come with us on this film noir-style journey to look beyond the elegant façade and enjoy a new perspective on an old classic.