Dial M For Murder by Frederick Knott, Manor Pavilion Theatre – Sidmouth, until 16 August, 4☆☆☆☆. Review: Cormac Richards.
Photo Credit: Sidmouth Summer Play Festival
Dial M For Murder by Frederick Knott, Manor Pavilion Theatre – Sidmouth, until 16 August.
4☆☆☆☆. Review: Cormac Richards
“still stands up today as a wonderfully plotted thriller”
Frederick Knott’s 1952 play, ‘Dial M For Murder’ is one of those unusual thrillers in that you know who did it and why from the start, the story is rather built around how and when the perpetrator will be caught out. The play started life as a TV production but was soon adapted for the stage and has always been very successful; the fact that Alfred Hitchcock filmed it has given it great longevity.
In a nutshell; retired tennis player, Tony Wendice, knows his wife (Sheila) is having an affair and meticulously plans her murder. Knott masterfully takes the audience through the whole planning process, the execution of it and the aftermath. It is like a complex piece of knitting – there are no holes in the plot, but you have to listen and keep your wits about you and if you do, you will be fully rewarded.
As theatregoers at Sidmouth have come to expect; the striking maroon wallpapered set is meticulously designed and dressed; trophies, photographs and a framed period tennis racquet adorn the walls, it is a feast for the eyes. As the curtain opens, to applause, the audience is immediately drawn to the stunning red dress (the ‘scarlet woman’?) worn by Sheila – it leaps off the stage at you. All the costumes are well designed for the characters by Jan Huckle, but those for the leading lady are from the top rail – Grace Kelly played the role in the film and she wouldn’t have looked out of place in them.
The lead role is a mammoth one and also incredibly tricky to play as Wendice is a completely unsympathetic character; the actor is called upon to deliver a long backstory as well as the plans for the murder which he hires someone else to carry out. Alexander Hulme does an admirable job imbuing the character with the right level of arrogance without being totally repellent. Sheila can sometimes appear a bit wet and submissive but Liv Koplick excels in the role with a confidence and a sparkle, she noticeably wilts as matters become rather more serious for her. Rhys Cannon is blessed with matinee idol looks and is entirely convincing as the ‘other man’ and thriller writer, Max Halliday, attempting to solve the mystery while trying to save the woman he loves; he does so with infectious enthusiasm. The mysterious Captain Lesgate, should remain a complete enigma and Adam Forrester is perfectly passive and doesn’t drop his guard until he comes to bungle his mission. As police inspectors go, Hubbard is a wonderfully juicy role and Richard Stemp clearly relishes the almost boylike glee he gets from unravelling what has happened; the part offers some lovely comic elements and these are seized on throughout.
The first third of the play is very wordy and, at times, the pace is a tad pedestrian, admittedly the plot needs explaining carefully, but this is a small gripe and will undoubtedly pick up during the run. Throughout, director Jonathan Hunt ensures the pivotal moments of the play are given full value and has given the whole production a film noir feel with appropriate jazz music; it works a treat, as does the atonal beats underscoring Wendice as he sets things up around his house – the increasing ‘heart beat’ in the build up to the murder is brilliant. As well as the sound, the lighting is so important to create the atmosphere that makes the play work effectively.
Not to give anything away, but the most clever plot point concerns door keys – follow them – oh, and I am told the front door lock is real and there are only two keys!
‘Dial M For Murder’ still stands up today as a wonderfully plotted thriller with great tension and suspense and this is an excellent production; perfect entertainment for a summer’s evening.
Cast
Sheila Wendice – Liv Koplick
Max Halliday – Rhys Cannon
Tony Wendice – Alexander Hulme
Captain Lesgate – Adam Forrester
Inspector Hubbard – Richard Stemp
Creatives
Writer – Frederick Knott
Director – Jonathan Hunt
Set Design – Andrew Beckett
Costume Designer – Jan Huckle
Lighting Design – Chris Jackson, Will Tippet,
Sound Design – James Prendergast
Set Builder – Rhys Cannon
Stage Manager - James Prendergast
Set Assistant – Dominic McChesney
Artistic Director – Paul Taylor-Mills
Associate Producer – Andrew Beckett