The UK touring production of Phil and Ben Productions present Dial M for Murder by Frederick Knott, which performed for two nights at Fareham Live and is currently on tour.
Married couple Margot Wendice (Tanya-Loretta Dee) and Tony Wendice (Pete Ashmore) are clearly not happily married. As Tony hatches a “foolproof” plan to get rid of his wife and take control of her money.
The rest of the cast include Simon Pothecary as Max Halliday, Katy Dean as Inspector Hubbard, and Phil Stewart as Captain Lesgate whose hired to commit murder.
However. Tony’s plan doesn’t play out as he expects it to and comes home to find he dealing with a different scenario and needs to think fast and act quickly if he can still find a way to see the back of his wife.
What he doesn’t bank on is how Inspector Hubbard is far more aware of his actions than she appears to be. The Inspector reminds me of the famous police detective Columbo, who never appears to be “with it” until the end. Katy Dean plays a very convincing detective and is a pleasure to watch concluding “who dunnit” in the end.
A special mention has to go to set designer Andy Newell who has created a family living space to reflect the couples lifestyle yet leaving enough space to allow everyone in the auditorium to see exactly what is taking place.
It was a slightly late start to the evenings performance due to technical issues. There did appear to be a few issues with the lighting throughout the performance. However, if the tour is only spending a couple of nights at each venue, then I am not surprised that things might occur. Although it did not interfere with the storyline.
For more information about Dial M for Murder touring production and future productions at Fareham Live, please use the link below. It is a great piece of theatre for those who like a good murder mystery.
Four Stars.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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