Sidney review- Dial M for Murder: Cleverly written and performed superbly

By Paul Kiely

Dial M for Murder

Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the original by Frederick Knott

Directed by Mark Kilmurry

An Ensemble Theatre Production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli

Season: 28 November – 11 January 2026

Bookings: https://ensemble.com.au

               Duration: 120 minutes approx (plus interval)

“How would you like to be murdered?”

I love a play that grabs your attention right from the start and keeps you engrossed through to curtain call. There can be no ambiguity in this opening question. For the next two hours, murder is the subject and deceit is the plot.

Dial M for Murder by Frederick Knott is best known as an adapted feature film by Alfred Hitchcock.

In the Ensemble Theatre production, the story is an adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher. His 2022 rewrite is great for twenty-first century audiences. Still set in 1950’s London, adultery is in the form of a lesbian relationship, thereby creating new depth and emotional strains not evident in the original.

This new version, managed under the skilful direction of Mark Kilmurry, delivers a suspenseful and intriguing experience for Kirribilli audiences.

The story centres on Tony Wendice (Garth Holcombe), a ‘man about town’ who had some fame as a tennis player but now plays second fiddle to his wealthy, socialite wife Margot (Anna Samson).

When Tony discovers that Margot is having an affair with Maxine Hadley (Madeleine Jones), his mind turns to murder. He becomes emboldened to plan her death and inherit her fortune. Tony needs to be careful though, as Maxine is a successful crime novelist who won’t take her lover’s murder without investigation.

Tony’s murder plot is precise and seemingly faultless. He lures an old university classmate Captain Lesgate (David Soncin) to become an accomplice. Through blackmail and bribery, Lesgate agrees to Tony’s plan to murder Margot. If all goes well, the apparent break-in and strangulation of Margot will leave Tony with a watertight alibi and Lesgate with a handsome payout.

Frederick Knott’s story explores the frailties of human emotions and how, in many ways, vices outperform virtues.

Tony’s murder plot goes awfully awry.

His faith in Lesgate proves to be a disaster as he forgets the villain’s adage: if a criminal works for you, they will also betray you.

And so, it is with Lesgate. He modifies Tony’s plan which ends in his own death.

The ensuing investigation by Chief Inspector Hubbard (Kenneth Moraleda) is relentless. Despite Tony’s ingenuity in cover up, the truth is ultimately exposed, but only after many surprises and clever twists and turns.

Dial M for Murder is a wonderfully written and gripping murder story. Jeffrey Hatcher describes the plot as an ‘inverted mystery’, whereby the audience is aware early on who the killer and victim are. The story explores the five motives for murder – money, greed, revenge, jealousy and a need to protect someone.

The production is outstanding in all respects. The single set of a London flat appears suitably high-brow and sophisticated; the costumes are perfectly period and makeup, lighting and sound all add to the overall atmosphere.

The fine cast are immersed in their characters and clearly relish the challenges of each role.

Notable in the production is the use of props and their importance in the overall storyline. Each prop – whether it be the telephone, the latchkey, stockings, scarf, walking stick, briefcase, handbag, photo, ice pick, letters or scissors – were functional and drew the viewers eyes to an integral part of the mystery.

Take any bone out of a fish and it cannot swim. Likewise, remove any prop out of this story and it is diminished in effect.

Dial M for Murder is a study of power, status, morality and irony. Apart from Inspector Hubbard, all characters are flawed and each contribute to their own demise.

The play stands up well to the tests of time. Cleverly written and performed superbly, this Ensemble production delivers on suspense, engagement and above all, entertainment!