This latest production at the Ensemble, directed by the company’s Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry, uses Jeffrey Hatcher’s more contemporary 2022 adaptation of Fredrick Knott’s original 1952 hit play which was famously adapted for the cinema by Alfred Hitchcock starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings.
Hatcher’s play favours women more, with the central female character having more agency, and not only this but one of the other characters has their gender swapped from male to female.
With the set up to DIAL M FOR MURDER, suave but financially strapped Tony Wendice is not the first man to plot to murder his wife Margot with the motives being jealousy and unfettered access to her money. He comes up with what he believes is the perfect plan. Very unfortunately for him, his failsafe plan stumbles at the first hurdle, and he has to work out a way out of any culpability as to what ensues. Tony Wendice’s journey is a deeply fraught one.
Garth Holcombe has a great handle on playing Tony’s tightly contained anxiety along with his incredible guile.
Anna Samson gives another fine performance as wife Margot, a wealthy, intelligent, resourceful woman who proves a tougher foil than Tony could ever imagine.
David Soncin plays and looks the part of shady, down on his luck crim Captain Lesgate who Tony involves ina blackmail murder plot,
As Margot’s ex lover Maxine, (still carrying a torch for her), and with a very successful career as a murder mystery writer, Madeleine Jones’ performance showcases a woman with a very keen intelligence.
As Inspector Hubbard, Kenneth Moraleda conveys his character’s dry sense of humour and his very meticulous approach to his work.
The cast move well within Nick Fry’s finely detailed, very functional set of Tony and Margot’s living room.
Matt Cox’s lighting design gave the actors good opportunities to shine.
Madeleine Picard’s atmospheric soundscape, heard from early on, played an important role.
Everything comes together in a dramatic, well realised denouement.
This was a very fine production of one of this classic narrative, and amounted to a great way for the Ensemble to dial out on another impressive year.
Performances continue till 11th January 2026.
Featured image Anna Samson and Kenneth Moraleda in DIAL M FOR MURDER at the Ensemble.
Thank you so much Roger! I have updated the review with the correct year of its premiere. With kind regards, David