Indulge your inner sleuth with this contemporary version of Frederick Knott’s psychological thriller, Dial M for Murder, writes Carolyn Hart Taylor.
Situating the entirety of the action at Tony and Margot Wendice’s apartment effectively gives audiences a feeling of claustrophobia. We’re onlookers to the crime, unable to escape, and implicated by our knowledge of events. But we too have to keep up with the ever-changing plot and we mustn’t ever lose sight of the key as it is passed from pillar to post!
All good detectives need evidence and Detective Hubbard’s (Christopher Harper) understated approach and likability are a sure-fire way to draw out information for this crime. Dogmatic Columbo style questioning makes us laugh as we try to keep up.
Tony Wendice(Tom Chambers), an ex-tennis player married to wealthy Margot, (Diana Vickers), is unsatisfied with is lot so sets about plotting. After all, he’s so confidently charismatic he may as well have all the money! Chambers shines in this role. He’s devoid of conscience, and arrogantly orchestrating events whilst captivating audiences with his skilful, chameleon-like persona that shifts and changes in keeping with his scheming. Lies trip eloquently off his tongue and that makes him dangerously watchable!
With wealth, beauty and status you’d wonder what kink in the chain could disrupt this harmonious couple’s grand lifestyle… Cue Margot’s affair with Michael Salami(Max Halliday), their romance carrying on right under scheming hubby’s nose. Hence, masterly use of the apartment to enact acmultitude of dramatic events requiring precision timing, and the entire cast deftly switching places and reappearing.
Impressive sound, lighting, and accomplished acting transport this play out of the confined room. Superb!
Churchill Theatre, Bromley High Street, BR1 1HA until 25th September. Time: 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm. Admission: From £22.50. Booking: www.churchilltheatre.co.uk
