Dial ‘M’ For Murder at The Little Theatre, Leicester Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by H Whetton

Dial ’M’ for murder is a classic play by Frederick Knott, first performed in 1952. Tonight’s performance was an amateur production, directed by Mary Jones, presented, and arranged with Concord Theatrical Ltd, on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. Not to take anything away from the cast and crew of tonight’s show, they all played their parts fantastically well, it was a brilliant performance. I loved the stage set, it had a great feeling of the 1950s, so much can happen in a flat in London, I really liked the use of space with the set. The use of the lights was a clever way of breaking up sections of the play, and having the walls closing in was a brilliant trick. I loved the wallpaper it reminded me of an old house we use to live in. I also thought that Mrs Wendice wardrobe was fabulous, I really liked the dark blue skirt and top. She looked so elegant in everything the style really suited her.

For those who are not familiar with the play, it is based around a couple in this case the Wendice, played by Andy Longley-Brown and Amber Goddard. Mr Wendice (Tony) was an ex Tennis player and Mrs Wendice (Sheila)his devoted wife. Having travelled with Tony around the world whilst he played tennis the long suffering Sheila became very good friends with a murder mystery writer, Max Halliday played by Sam White. When Max went to work in America, he and Sheila continued to write until one of their letters went missing and Sheila received a blackmail letter regarding the said letter. Sheila paid the blackmailer and never told anyone about it, but also never received the letter back (it is a very important letter and clue).

Max has just come back from America after a year and contacted Sheila again. Sheila had just introduced Max to Tony for the first time as an old Friend. This is where the play really starts to get interesting. Unknown to Sheila or Max, Tony knew of the letters, and it was in fact him that had blackmailed his wife into owning up about Max!!! This obviously had not worked so he had spent the past year concocting a plan to murder Sheila, rather than divorce so he could claim her estate which was quite a substantial amount in the 1950’s. Tony had blackmailed an old school chum Captain Lesgate played by Paul Large, into killing Sheila, however, it all goes pear shaped. To say more would ruin the ending to those who do not know the play. My favourite character has to be Max, Sam White plays the part brilliantly, you can see how he still really cares about Sheila. I love how he unravels Tony’s plot without even realising it. I also enjoyed Adam Jones’s portrayal of Police Inspector Hubbard, he would fit in any good murder mystery, I enjoyed his sneakiness at the end.

The Little Theatre is a small, cosy and very friendly theatre. All of the staff and volunteers were incredibly helpful. It is fully accessibility. It has a small bar for pre and interval drinks which opens 45 Minutes before the performance. It makes for a great intimate performance. There is a small car park on Dover Street and also an NCP car park on East Street which is only a couple of minute’s walk away. The Little Theatre is also a short walk into the town centre.

Ticket prices range from £17.50 for premium seats, £16.50 for Standard seating and £15.00 for concessions.
Start time is 7.30pm, with one interval finishing at approximately 10.05pm

I would give the theatre and play a 4/5 I really enjoyed the show, it was very entertaining and made a good night out.
Dial ‘M’For Murder is running at The Little Theatre in Leicester from the 4 th March -9th March.
The Little Theatre, Dover Street, Leicester, LE1 6PW.
You can contact the Little Theatre by emailing- thelittletheatre.co.uk

https://www.thelittletheatre.co.uk/whats-on/dial-m-for-murder/
Or contacting the Box office on 0116 2551302 or email -hello@thelittletheatre.co.uk
Photography credits Mary Jayne Harding Scott.

Rating: 4/5