The Swindonian is delighted to welcome Charlotte as a new reviewer. After attending the latest production of Dial M for Murder at the Wyvern Theatre, Charlotte shares her thoughts on this classic thriller and what made the performance such an enjoyable evening.
Dial M for Murder is a cleverly written play that contains elements of mystery and dramatic irony. For context, the play was written by Frederick Knott, and this was his first major piece of work. It was first performed on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre in New York in 1952.
The play begins with a lady called Margot Wendice talking to a man named Max Halliday in her living room, and it is revealed through their conversation that they are having an affair. Later, Tony Wendice is introduced as Margot’s husband and convinces an old friend of his to kill his wife. You would think that the meticulous plan he constructed meant everything went perfectly for him. However, it only brought up more incidents. After failed plans and random past scandals showing up, the play ultimately has a well-wrapped ending.
Watching the performance at the Wyvern made the play and the whole experience very enjoyable. Each actor was very expressive and delivered their lines with such charisma. Their range was clear by the way they could make a seemingly serious play about murder and deception have humorous aspects to it, while not taking away from the overall message of the play. It felt engaging, well-rehearsed, and as though the whole team loved every minute of their work.
The play also felt as though there were no loose ends or plot lines left hanging. Everything had a reason why it was significant to the story. The whole play could easily share snippets of information that would come back into significance when things were being revealed, along with details that wouldn’t even seem important at first but ultimately had an impact on the overall outcome.
Overall, Dial M for Murder is an entertaining production that keeps the audience guessing throughout. With a strong cast, plenty of twists and a script that rewards careful attention, it is easy to see why the play has remained a classic for more than 70 years.
