Dial M for Murder – Liverpool Playhouse

It sure is a tangled web we weave and more so for Tony Wendice, the leading man in Dial M for Murder, made famous in 1950 by a film of the same name from Alfred Hitchcock.

Wendice is an ex-tennis pro, who has given it up for his wife Margo. When he discovers that she’s been having an extra-marital affair, he starts to plot his revenge, but will his tangled web be found out or will he get away with the perfect crime?

Tom Chambers was ideal to lead the cast as Wendice, taking us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From laughing with him, to feeling for him, to disgust, Chambers was really able to take us on the full character’s journey throughout the piece. Diana Vickers as Margo portrayed her as away with the fairies and whilst it worked well through act 2, it didn’t quite feel right during act 1. You definitely warmed to her and the character as the play went on and it wouldn’t put me off a return visit at all. Michael Salami was Margo’s boyfriend Max Halliday, and he was spot on in the role. He seemed to genuinely care about Margo and his vital role in the untangling of the lies was portrayed perfectly.

However, for me, the standout was Christopher Harper as Captain Lesgate and Inspector Hubbard. Playing two different roles in the two acts, both so different from each other, really made his performance stand out. The Inspector came across more ditzy and unsure of what he was doing but convinced the audience and his fellow actors of how well he knew the case, inside out to be able to unravel the lies and uncover the truth for us all.

Directed by Anthony Banks, it shows how well he knew his cast and how to get the most from them in the performance. From showcasing Chambers’ dancing skills, however fleetingly, to getting the most from the relationships between the cast, you can tell that the whole cast and crew have been close and all work well with each other and with Banks at the helm, they will continue to grow.

Having gone in, never having seen the film, I was unsure of what to expect and left the theatre pleasantly surprised at what I had seen on the stage. The show kept me guessing until the end, with laughs along the way too. Do you think you could get away with the perfect crime?

Dial M for Murder continues the Playhouse in Liverpool until 18th September with tickets available from www.everymanplayhouse.com

Reviewer: Jenn McKean

Reviewed: 14th September 2021

North West End UK Rating: ★★★