Performances of the iconic Hitchcock thriller Dial M For Murder are continuing at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, writes Chris Gregg.
There's a lot of the great film maker in this production, with shadowy silhouettes creeping across the backdrop, flashing lights and unsettling musical dischord creshendos creating a sense of unease as the story is played out and the suspense builds.
This is less of a whodunnit, more of a 'will they get away with it' with some clever twists as the protagonist becomes ever more entangled in a web of their own making.
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The story opens with Margot (X Factor pop star turned West End actress Diana Vickers) in a lengthy clinch with Max (Hollyoaks' Michael Salami).
But, it turns out, she's married to Tony (Strictly star Tom Chambers), a former tennis pro who has given it all up for his wife. He doesn't take the news well and events take a murderous turn when Captain Lesgate (Coronation Street's Christopher Harper) enters the story.
This is a new production of the story made famous in the 1954 movie with the story taking place entirely in one Habitat furnished room in the early sixties. It's certainly entertaining and will get pulses racing, although on opening night it felt like the cast were still finding their feet with this show which has begun its tour in Milton Keynes.
Nevertheless, there is some great chemistry between the characters and the staging and technical creativity makes this a memorable show.
