Dial M for Murder Review by Lynn Carroll

August 13, 2026

Going by the title alone one might be forgiven for thinking this play was based on an Agatha Christie novel, I certainly did. I knew there had been a film of the same name way back in 1954 but it has come full circle having started as a play first shown on BBC TV in 1952, and becoming a stage play the same year. However, it was written by an English playwright by the name of Frederick Knott.

The film version was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starred Ray Milland and Grace Kelly, the story has a now familiar theme of a couple where one plots to kill the other. I was interested to see how this worked on stage and for once I did my due diligence and read up on it in order that I could follow the plot more closely, something I rarely do as I prefer to go in ‘blind’. I did not however, read how the story would pan out and ultimately was very glad I didn’t.

First impressions were good, the stage set and props were aesthetically pleasing and served throughout the whole play which I personally find keeps the reality and atmosphere intact without it being shattered by darkness and muffled shuffling as scenes are changed.

I must admit I took a little while to warm up as the foundation of the plot was being laid, but I quickly became engrossed in the intricacy of this murder mystery, which wasn’t actually a mystery. We knew from the off who was devising the dastardly deed, even how it would (or might not) proceed. But for the life of me I could not work out how the innocent party would be able to get off the hook. In fact I really thought it would end with a dreadful miscarriage of justice.

I should have known better because playwrights know we don’t want to leave the theatre in a mood because of an unresolved issue, unless of course it is integral to the story that justice should not be served. Still, I will not let the proverbial cat out of the bag as there is nearly always someone who gets their comeuppance.

As for the actors, well they were incredibly good and I cannot favour one above any of the five main characters. The clothing they wore was exactly of the time with raincoats, full skirts and stockings, which were not shown on legs. You will understand that last bit when you watch the play, which I highly recommend you to do. I can honestly say that I could find no fault with this production, not even a tiny niggle to complain about. I was so glad that I only skimmed the information I found about the play/film as it left plenty to puzzle over and an ending I did not see coming.

Judging by the applause the audience agreed with me as it was hearty and full of whistles and cheers. Unusually, one of the actors gave a very short talk at curtain call (even though there was no curtain) which was rather nice and gave us a couple of laughs.

All in all it was a great evening out....trust me.