Cambridge Arts Theatre plays host to Frederick Knott’s classic tale Dial M for Murder this week, made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s film, as part of its UK tour starring Tom Chambers and Diana Vickers.

The set is a simple design, yet effective. A modern flat for its time with lots of clever ‘hidey holes’ and entrances and exits for the actors, it is dated to its time period with the television, phone and décor within the flat. The lighting is used to great effect with lamps and hidden strip lights especially during the scene in which the sentencing happens – the only scene that we see locatedtony outside of the flat. 

Tom Chambers is incredible as Tony Wendice. The way he floats between loving, happy, devoted husband and manically unhinged is incredible and he really carries the first half by means of how the story is told. He commands the stage and holds the audience’s attention so much that during the interaction between him and Swann (played by Christopher Harper), it is almost impossible to not be focused on him throughout. 

Diana Vickers as wife Margot Wendice and ‘bit on the side’ Max Halliday (played by Michael Salami) have wonderful chemistry in their scenes together and present as a couple very much in love, without it being uncomfortable. 

Stealing the second half is Christopher Harper in his second role of the show as Inspector Hubbard. His comic timing is absolutely perfect. His diction, facial expressions and mannerisms are perfect for the role and he is exceptional all-round. He could give all TV detectives a run for their money and adds suspense by adding ”just one more thing”, sometimes followed by a way to unpick Wendice’s lies or as a comic turn. 

The play is a great triumph and brings this older story to modern audiences with familiar and known casting. It is easy to follow and engage with the story, and the scenery never detracts from the acting.

A slow starter but once Chambers enters the piece, it gains its momentum and is a brilliant piece of theatre from there on. 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Emma Rooney

Dial M for Murder plays at Cambridge Arts Theatre until 9 October and continues touring until December 2021. For more information and to book tickets, please click here.