A THEATRE group is returning to the stage to thrill audiences with their new murder mystery.

Tyldesley Little Theatre (TLT) are performing five consecutive nights of thriller Dial M for Murder from Tuesday, January 23 on its Lemon Street stage.

The play, which contains a plot involving betrayal, a hired killer, blackmail, and of course, murder, is directed by Jenny Whur.

Jenny says she has been keen to take the classic story to the theatre's stage, which was directed by Alfred Hitchcock on the silver screen in 1954, for years.

The film starred Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings and John Williams.

The screenplay and the successful stage play on which it was based were written by English playwright Frederick Knott. The play premiered in 1952 on BBC Television, before being performed on stage in the same year in London's West End in June, and then New York's Broadway in October.

TLT regulars Alex Clarke, Ingrid Folkard-Evans and Ian Hunter will join newcomers Cameron Rowe and Adrian White for the production.

The play is written by Frederick Knott, who also wrote the screenplay for the original film.

Connor Parkinson, the Secretary of Tyldesley Little Theatre, said: "Dial M for Murder introduces the audiences to Tony Wendice and his wife Sheila Wendice, played by theatre veterans Alex Clarke and Ingrid Folkard-Evans respectively. There's murder, betrayal and a huge plot to get away with the intended crime of the year.

"With only eight days until opening night rehearsals are in full swing with a cast that certainly gives it their all in this dramatic thriller."

Dial M for Murder will take to the stage from January 23 to 27th January.

Each performance of Dial M for Murder will start at 7.30pm.

To book tickets contact the theatre box office on 07845 105195 or visit tlt.org.uk.