Theatre News

When Murder Calls…Hang Up!

Lucy Bailey’s acclaimed production of Dial M For Murder returns to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal between 18 and 22 March.

John Dixon
Made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film version, Dial M For Murder tells the story of the cold and calculating Tony Wendice who is convinced his wife is having an affair. He sets out to plan and execute the perfect murder… until it falters in the most unexpected way. Claustrophobic and frightening, Lucy Bailey’s production reclaims this tale of betrayal, passion and ultimately, murder.

Christopher Timothy plays the role of Inspector Hubbard. Actor, television director and writer, Christopher is best known for his TV roles as James Herriott in All Creatures Great and Small and as Mac McGuire in BBC’s long-running daytime show Doctors. Stepping into the shoes of Grace Kelly in Hitchcock’s film, Kelly Hotten plays the role of Sheila Wendice. Other roles are played by Daniel Betts (Tony Wendice), Philip Cairns (Max Halliday), and Robert Perkins (Captain Lesgate).

Frederick Knott wrote a number of stage plays, of which Dial M For Murder was the first and probably his most successful. He also wrote the screenplay for the 1954 Hitchcock film which starred Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and John Williams.

Director Lucy Bailey’s directing credits include The Postman Always Rings Twice in the West End & a number of productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company including The Taming of the Shrew, The Winter’s Tale & Julius Caesar which also transferred to New York. Bailey has worked for many of the country’s leading theatre and opera companies including the Royal National Theatre, Glyndebourne Opera and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Dial M For Murder appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 18 March until Saturday 22 March. Tickets are available from £12 (a booking fee applies) and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk