Perth Classic Theatre’s Dial M for Murder is an absorbing and well paced drama.

Photo. Jean-Denis Labelle  with Greg Campbell and Richard Gélinas

The key assumptions in Dial M for Murder are that planning the perfect murder takes time and that something is almost certain to go awry, no matter how meticulous and detailed the plan.

Frederick Knott’s 1952 murder mystery — more a will-he-get-away-with-it than a whodunit — is most familiar as the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock movie starring Grace Kelly and Ray Milland.

As directed by Laurel Smith, the Classic Theatre Festival production of Dial M for Murder now playing in Perth, is absorbing and well paced and David Magladry’s well-appointed set is both workable and in tune with the period.

Knott’s carefully crafted thriller is part straightforward storytelling (so somewhat heavy on exposition) and part study of a psychopath. Former tennis pro Tony Wendice, played with style by Greg Campbell, is all surface charm and the ability to talk his way out of tight corners, while being devoid of conscience and secure in his sense of entitlement.

The question is whether his plan to dispose of his wealthy wife, Margot, with the help of an old acquaintance and blackmail subject (Richard Gélinas) will be successful in the face of the true love she has inspired in her former lover, Max (a fine characterization from Scott Clarkson delivering a balance of warmth and restraint that contrasts effectively with Campbell’s false effusiveness towards Margot.)

It is up to the police inspector investigating the case of the apparent robbery/murder to uncover the truth. As Inspector Hubbard, Clyde Whitham is cool, smiling, polite and appropriately low-key.

As the focal point of the tale and potential murder victim, Jennifer Vallance (in the preview performance at least) seemed somewhat ill at ease in the early scenes but settled into the role in Act II.

There were also some issues with costume fit — particularly Captain Lesgate’s oversized jacket.

In general, however, this production of Dial M for Murder is highly entertaining.

The production continues to August 31

Dial M for Murder

By Frederick Knott

Classic Theatre Festival, Perth

Director: Laurel Smith

Set and lighting: David Magladry

Costumes: Renate Seller

Cast:

Margot Wendice………………………………………….Jennifer Vallance

Max Halliday…………………………………………….Scott Clarkson

Tony Wendice……………………………………………Greg Campbell

Captain Lesgate…………………………………………..Richard Gélinas

Inspector Hubbard………………………………………..Clyde Whitham