Dial M For Murder

This is often considered a classic stage thriller, where the audience watches a supposedly perfect crime being planned. Is anything perfect? The play was first performed in 1952, then Alfred Hitchcock turned it into a Hollywood film that you can still see on TV. The plot centres around a retired tennis pro, Tony Wendice, who is planning the murder of his socialite wife after learning of an affair she had with a science–fiction novelist.  It looks perfect, with his attention to detail, but that evolves as the play progresses. Inspector Hubber must uncover the truth as we follow the developments.

Central to the action is the main manipulator, Tony Wendice. Very well portrayed by John Da Cruz, he comes across as someone to trust – at your own peril. He carries the play very well. Dee Heath, as the unfaithful wife Margot Wendice, relaxed into the role after a nervous start.  The remaining three actors were Craig Longoria as Max Halliday, David Scheiwe as Captain Lesgate and finally Steve Durber, who was a good Inspector Hubbard, the person to solve the case, perhaps. The interaction between the cast members was good for the most part but a little more relaxed emotional display at times would help.

Congratulations to director Fay Richards and her many helpers and assistants  for the polished and effective end product. The set was such that all key action vital to the plot could be seen with clarity. The time passed quickly and that reflected full absorption by the audience.  It should be on your must see list. Very well done.

Bill Davies