Dial M For Murder

Tyldesley Little Theatre

As ex tennis player Tony Wendice realises his wife is having an affair he sets about planning her murder. He sets out his elaborate plan, involving an old school pal and has it planned like a military operation so nothing can go wrong – or can it?

Alex Clarke excels as Tony Wendice. A strong consistent performance that never once dropped character as he convincingly entices his wife to her destiny. As the plot develops you see the sinister side of the character come out as he gets closer to completing his plan. A well-rounded performance that was well received.

Ingrid Folkard-Evans is on top form as alleged adulteress Sheila Wendice. Ingrid has great stage presence and has a natural acting ability that makes the character she is playing believable. This performance was no exception as she effortlessly breezed her way through the plot displaying the ability to portray a devoted wife whilst harbouring the secret of many assignations with her lover, Max Halliday.

The character of Max is safe in the hands of Cameron Rowe who transitioned from relaxed, almost arrogant “friend of the family” to frantic, frenzied with ease as he realises the game is up and the secret of was his affair is out. This steady performance complimented the other cast members and a contrast was clear when he interacted with the other characters, especially Tony and Sheila.

Newcomer Adrian White certainly succeeded as he made his amateur stage debut. The programme indicated that this was Adrian’s first ever role, but the audience wouldn’t have known this from what came across the footlights. This was a relaxed performance and he looked just right as he agreed to become embroiled in the planning, plotting and execution of his old classmates’ crazed idea.

Completing this cast, TLT stalwart Ian Hunter plays a convincing Inspector Hubbard as he deduces the movements and whereabouts of each character before and after the deed to place.

From the opening curtain to the final bows this production had pace and was obviously well rehearsed and directed. Congratulations to Director Jenny Whur who has presented a cracking thriller which, if the comments of the audience are anything to go by has certainly hit the right spot.

Paul Cohen

BATS