OBSERVER: Dial M For Murder
Smoke and Mirror Productions present Frederick Nott’s Dial M for Murder from August 7-16 at Theatre Works, St Kilda.
Directed by Dean Drieberg, this production has been five years in the making – a victim of the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, but now with the support of Theatre Works, Dial M For Murder is described as ‘an electric addition’ to the hugely popular “thriller theatre” currently adorning our stages.
First performed over 70 years ago, Dial M For Murder takes us into the world of Tony Wendice. After discovering his wife’s infidelity, he sets in motion a plan to kill her and walk away with her millions. A murder he believes to be a perfect one.
After all, who would suspect her own loving husband of being the perpetrator? However, when he dials the Mayfair exchange to set his plan in motion, the right number leads to the wrong answer …
“The initial conception for this show was born out of a collective love of Hitchcock and a desire to find a way to make his work relevant to a modern audience”, explains Smoke and Mirrors Productions Creative Director Josh Sanders.
“Our director, Dean Drieberg, has come up with an incredibly clever and creative way to achieve this, and enhance the production for current day theatregoers.
“Although the script and timeline of the narrative remain unchanged, as the play progresses through its three acts the era in which it is set advances from the 1950s to modern day.
“This choice was made to highlight the (unfortunately) timeless nature of the themes explored in the play and will be realised by our talented set and costume designer, Jodi Hope.”
With a contemporary noir influence and inspired by Hitchcock’s iconic soundtracks, the production will feature an 80s synthesized score by sound designer Katie Harrigan.
A story set entirely within one apartment, this latest incarnation of Dial M For Murder also toys with the convention of the murder mystery genre – offering audiences a new perspective on the story.
Performance Season: August 7-16. Tues. – Sat. 7.30pm, Sat. 2pm (August 9 only) Opening Night: Aug. 8
Tickets: $48 Full, $38 Concession, $28 Preview, $25 Mob Tix (+bf)
Bookings: theatreworks.org.au/2025/dial-m-for-murder
Enquiries: 9534 3388
Venue: Theatre Works – 14 Acland Street, St Kilda
Cheryl Threadgold