Unusually for a murder mystery, the audience knows all the information about the murder in The Little Theatre’s production of Dial ‘M’ for Murder. We know who did it, how it happened, and what their motive was. It is less of a whodunnit and more of a can-they-work-out-whodunnit.
This format leads to a gradual building of suspense up to the murder in the first half of the show and palpable tension in the second half as the characters try to figure it out, all whilst the real mastermind is playing mind games trying to evade detection.
The play is populated by a strong lineup of classic murder mystery characters. There’s the manipulative husband, the cheating wife, her secret lover, a man with multiple identities, and a detective with questionable methods.
Without giving away too much of the story, the play follows these characters as a murder is plotted, committed, and investigated. The enjoyment of a murder mystery-style play hinges on the story being both easy-to-follow and convoluted enough to actually be a mystery. Frederick Knott’s play achieves this through clearly signposting several key clues throughout the play and referring back to them frequently: a letter between lovers, latchkeys, and an attaché case of money.
The whole cast are excellent in their convincing portrayals of their individual characters. No meaning or plot information is lost as every player delivers their lines very clearly and with strong emotion.
Andy Longley-Brown plays Tony Wendice, an ex-Tennis pro married to the wealthy Shelia Wendice (Amber Goddard). Longley-Brown is strong and expressive in the role. His facial expressions heighten key plot moments and are played with a gentle comedy that doesn’t override the suspense being built. He flips his character from soft to menacing.
Goddard’s Shelia is equally well-performed. Her dialogue, facial expressions, and body language all work together to present a well-rounded character who transitions from in control to confused.
Sam White plays Max Halliday, a crime writer and Shelia’s secret lover. Although individually both White and Goddard are strong, the chemistry between them is somewhat lacking making their secret love affair less believable.
Adam Jones is a delight as Inspector Hubbard. He methodically ponders the murderous events, poking and prodding at his suspects through sharp-witted questioning. Jones fully embodies his character and I genuinely believe that he could have a career in detective work after watching this play! He speaks calmly and moves around the stage smoothly with clear intent. Given that the audience knows the answers that he seeks, his character is perhaps the most important in building up the tension. I almost want to cheer him on as he veered ever closer to the true nature of the murder.
Mary Jones’ direction is well-paced. Scenes are given ample time to develop giving the actors space to hone their characters and develop the plot. Interludes of music and dark lighting allow the show to breathe between scenes, giving the audience the opportunity to reflect on the new information given in the previous scene.
The set, designed by Gemma Greaves, is laid out as the living room of the Wendice’s ground floor apartment. There is intricate attention to detail in the set, with multiple mirrors reflecting the narcissism of Tony Wendice. The dark wallpaper makes the set feel as if it is trapping its characters.
Lighting (Jenny Harding and Martin Scott) is well used to depict changes in time and not divert attention. Coupled with well-placed music and sound effects (Stew Wale and Tim Neville), tension is well developed.
The strong acting, expert direction, and beautiful stage design results in a suspenseful thriller of a play. I strongly recommend getting a ticket to see Dial ‘M’ for Murder whilst the play is showing at The Little Theatre in Leicester between Monday 4 and Saturday 9 May.
