There is something rather refreshing about a production that doesn’t rely on flashy special effects, elaborate staging or modern gimmicks to keep an audience entertained. Dial M for Murder, currently playing at the Wyvern Theatre until Saturday, is exactly that kind of show.
Written by Frederick Knott, the play first captivated audiences in the early 1950s before Alfred Hitchcock famously adapted it for the big screen. More than seven decades later, it still manages to grip an audience from beginning to end.
Set in London in 1952, the story follows former tennis professional Tony Wendice and his wife Margot. From the outside they appear to have the perfect marriage, but beneath the surface Tony has something far darker in mind. Convinced he has planned the perfect murder, events soon spiral in directions he never expected, creating a tense evening of deception, suspicion and plenty of unexpected twists.
What makes this production work so well is its confidence. It never tries to be something it isn’t. Instead, it allows the writing and the performances to take centre stage, and that proves more than enough.
Pete Ashmore delivers a convincing performance as the calculating Tony Wendice, portraying a man who appears charming on the surface while quietly manipulating everyone around him. Tanya-Loretta Dee brings warmth and vulnerability to Margot, making it easy for the audience to invest in her character, while Simon Pothecary provides a welcome balance as Max Halliday.
For this reviewer though, Katy Dean’s portrayal of Inspector Hubbard steals many of the later scenes. Calm, intelligent and quietly determined, she pieces together the truth with the sort of confidence that keeps the audience hanging on every word.
The set deserves plenty of praise too. A beautifully designed 1950s apartment creates exactly the right atmosphere without ever distracting from the story itself. Combined with subtle lighting and sound, it draws the audience into the mystery and keeps them there for the entire evening.
Although many people will know the story through Hitchcock’s famous film, seeing it performed live creates an entirely different experience. There is a genuine sense of anticipation inside the theatre as each revelation unfolds, with plenty of audible gasps as Tony’s carefully constructed plan begins to unravel.
Perhaps the biggest compliment that can be paid to Dial M for Murder is that it never feels dated. Yes, the telephones have rotary dials, the fashions belong firmly to another era and the setting couldn’t be further removed from modern life, but the themes of greed, betrayal and manipulation remain just as compelling today.
It’s also another reminder of what the Wyvern Theatre continues to bring to Swindon. Alongside major musicals and touring productions, shows like this give local audiences the opportunity to enjoy high-quality drama without leaving the town.
Whether someone is already a fan of classic murder mysteries or simply looking for an entertaining night out, Dial M for Murder is well worth booking before it leaves Swindon on Saturday.
It may have first appeared on stage more than 70 years ago, but this production proves that a well-written thriller never goes out of style.
Dial M for Murder is at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, until Saturday 25 July 2026, with tickets available from £20.
