Show: Dial M For Murder
Location: Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Wednesday September 14 2021
Time: 19.30
Running Time: 150 Minutes
Age Rating: 12+
Performers: Tom Chambers, Christopher Harper, Michael Salami & Diana Vickers
Production Company: Dial M For Murder Play
Writer: Frederick Knott
Director: Anthony Banks
The days are counting down to Dial M For Murder coming to Liverpool‘s Playhouse Theatre. The show comes to Liverpool from Tuesday September 14 to Saturday September 18 2021. And tickets are still available for this exciting show. Now, this will be the biggest theatre show of 2021 at the Playhouse Theatre. So, let’s take a look at Dial M For Murder!
Dial M For Murder
Background
This truly is the genre-defining thriller of all time; could you ever get away with performing the perfect crime? Indeed, this is an all-new production that provides a blueprint for the modern-day thriller. So, there’s the charismatic yet manipulative Tony Wendice, a jaded former tennis player. But he no longer plays, preferring to accommodate his wife Margo. However, he discovers that she is unfaithful, and so he begins plotting revenge by virtue of the “perfect crime”. Now, Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950 movie makes this famous, but it still leaves audiences in astonishment across the world. Furthermore, how does Tony manage to perform the crime while keeping it secretive, and if he does, will he be caught? The only way to find out is to see the show; it’s a seat-gripping drama you can’t afford to miss!
Analysis
The theatre was nearly full and the stage was ready. Dial M For Murder has arrived at the Everyman. Although the film, directed by Alfred Hitchhock is set in the 1950s, this version directed by Anthony Banks is set in the 60’s. The Kinks playing as we enter the theatre is a clue to this and along with the 60’s style furniture and rotary telephone giving nods to the decade.
We first meet Margot, played by Diana Vickers. She is tentative and somewhat on edge. We learn she is having an affair with crime writer Max, played by Michael Salami. They are together in Margot’s home; an upmarket apartment in Maida Vale which she shares with her husband, ex-tennis player, Tony Wendice played by Tom Chambers. He knows nothing of their affair, or does he?
The play sets out a perfect murder plot. We find out who the victim is almost straight away and then the reasons behind the murder, the perfect plan and all the finer details. The first half is somewhat heavy but every detail is needed. You must pay attention though, things move fast, the pace quickens up as Wendice gets almost greedy when the plan is coming together. The play is well paced, especially the seamless moving around the set from Chambers, his Strictly days giving him a head start in the smooth almost waltz-like positioning of gloves and wiping of glasses.
The strong cast is made up of Diana Vickers, Michael Salami, Tom Chambers and Christopher Harper. Vickers gives an elegant and poised performance, teetering on innocence. Especially in the 2nd half when she looks dazed and confused at the twisting turn of events. Salami plays the part of Max, a seasoned crime writer who is in the throes of an affair with Margot. He plays the part of the tortured paramour excellently. Chambers is at home in his role of Wendice. Egotistical, smug and quick-witted, the partnership between him and Harper who plays an inquisitive detective is almost like watching a grand slam. Whatever one fires over the net you can be sure the other will return with even more wit and repartee.
The play comes to a head in the 2nd half. This is where all the pieces start to fall into place. An unexpected touch of humour helps this play to flow and it almost makes the characters seem real as they nearly break the 4th wall with a nod to how ludicrous the plot of the murder seems! This light relief is well placed and most welcome.
Summary
Coming to the end of the play was as satisfying as finishing a 7 course meal. You’re slow to start, things get a bit heavy in the middle and come to a close with a gratifying finish. Dial M For Murder is one not to be missed. Full of intrigue, suspense and thrill. Catch it if you can.
Notes
Target Audience: 14 plus
Content: Mild sexual references
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 8/10
Dial M For Murder Further Links
Dial M For Murder runs at the Playhouse Theatre until Saturday September 18 2021. So, to purchase tickets, please click here.
For more information about this show, click here.
Did you see Dial M For Murder? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
