"Dial M For Murder" by Frederick Knott.

West Bridgford Dramatic Society.

The Studio, West Bridgford.

This is one stylish thriller which isn't so much a murder mystery, as we all know who was murdered and by whom and why, but the enjoyment from this play comes from the unravelling of the plot by Inspector Hubbard.

In short, Sheila Wendice and Max Halliday have met up after Max has been in New York for a year, and we discover that they have just come out of an affair with each other which Sheila's husband, Tony Wendice, an ex tennis pro, is actually aware of after blackmailing Sheila over a love letter sent from Max, which neither Max or Sheila are aware of Tony's involvement.

Tony then plans an elaborate murder plot to have his wife killed while he and Max are on a night out, but after blackmailing his old school friend, Captain Lesgate, to commit the murder, things don't quite go as planned and it's Lesgate who ends up in the bodybag and Sheila is sent to prison with the death penalty hanging over her. All is working out just fine for Tony but Max throws a spanner in the works which leads to the unravelling of the attempted plot by Inspector Hubbard and Max.

Sheila Wendice is played by Kristina Russell. What I liked about this presentation of Sheila is that prior to the murder, Sheila is as nervous as anything, knowing that she has been blackmailed, not knowing by whom, but there's every chance of her affair becoming apparent to her husband. After the murder the stage might well have been strewn with eggshells as Sheila seemed to be walking on them every step she took. The nervous stuttering grew and she looked and sounded as if that nervous breakdown was just a stammer away. All of this a far cry to the fun role that Kristina played last in "Orlando" at the back end of last year.

Tony Wendice is played by Tim Farrow, and another over confident character portrayed by Tim. Don't you just love seeing characters who think that they have everything planned out, only to witness their sudden downfall? Well, that is what we get here with Tony Wendice. Even though you know that he is going to get his collar felt - there's no spoilers with that storyline, you still feel like thumping the air when that moment comes, but it's the bit in between the initial plan and the final scenes that keep you hanging on, and Tim almost makes you feel that there is a possibility that he may wriggle off the hook.

Max Halliday is played by Charles Andrews. What a smooth character Halliday is and just when he thinks that he has the answer to everything, he leaves a few little holes for the audience to see through, making the full explanation just out of reach until later on. A very different character from his last performance with West Bridgford Dramatic Society in the play "Eight" last year, and also shows his flexibility as a character actor.

Captain Lesgate, aka Charles Swann, is played by Craig Russell. The name change becomes apparent just after the Captain pops round to sell Tony a flash car, but how does the high flying ex tennis pro know Lesgate to be Swann? Like a cornered animal Lesgate feels that he has to do Tony's bidding, and what a mistake that was! Watch and listen out for the moment that Lesgate reverts back to his original persona. Smoothly played by Craig.

Chief Inspector Hubbard is played by Nik Hedges. We all know that Hubbard is going to get his man, but it's how he puts all the pieces of the jigsaw together that is fascinating, as well as those humoresque little comments. A more stylish Columbo, as you can almost hear his clever brain ticking away, and there's a significant moment to watch for when you realise that Hubbard knows exactly what has gone down. Nik is one of those actors who you just know is going to be brilliant in whichever role he takes on.

It's really intense at times and the tension created by Hitchcock's film transcends wonderfully to the stage, a testament to the director Robert Dixon ability to build suspense with his cast.

Set Designers are Rosie Farrow, Annie Haley & Candice Gush and I love the way that they have created a set that really takes you back in time.

Take a look at the set and take note of all the wonderful props on show, thanks to Barbara Seymour. The classy drinks trolley, the cabinet with tennis trophies in and that wonderful wireless, which I noticed a few audience members taking a closer look at in the interval.

Sound design and operation is by Jem Woolley. With the intimacy of this theatre, there's no need for mics so the sound is all effects. These are all delivered with split timing.

Lighting design is by Alex Wardle and operated by Calum Sharp. There are several moments when the lights are faded to night light effect, and again the timing when the actors operate the light switches or the lamp is timed by Calum, as well as all the other light effects in this production.  

Costumes are by Kristina Russell & Jo Sharpe. Very glamorous with the men's suits and Sheila's evening, day and nightwear. 

"Dial M" is a wonderful thriller that has certainly stood the test of time and is well worth a viewing for all fans of theatre and excellent thrillers. Sophisticated and brimming with class.

"Dial M For Murder" is at the Studio Theatre, West Bridgford on until Saturday 8 February.