Dial M for Murder - 2026

Written By Frederick Knott
Directed by Marian Caine and George Sigsworth
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This amateur production of "Frederick Knott's Dial M for Murder" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Description

Tony Wendice has married his wife, Sheila, for her money, and now plans to murder her for the same reason, after he discovers her affair with American crime writer Max Halliday. He plans the perfect crime, blackmailing an old acquaintance, Captain Lesgate, to carry out the murder and creating an ingenious alibi for himself.

However, the plan goes awry and Tony, with quick thinking and deceit, attempts to use incriminating evidence to his advantage. Can his new plan to rid himself of Sheila and inherit her wealth work out? Or can the efforts of Max and police inspector Hubbard uncover Tony's dastardly scheme before it is too late?

Cast List

  • Cast Details coming soon
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Audition Details

To audition please email the directors on the above link for access to the script. Then pick a section of the play you would like to use to audition.

Accents as far as possible to be of the 1950's!

Setting

The Wendice appartment, London in the 1950s

Synopsis

Tony Wendice has married his wife, Sheila, for her money, and now plans to murder her for the same reason, after he discovers her affair with American crime writer Max Halliday. He plans the perfect crime, blackmailing an old acquaintance, Captain Lesgate, to carry out the murder and creating an ingenious alibi for himself.

However, the plan goes awry and Tony, with quick thinking and deceit, attempts to use incriminating evidence to his advantage. Can his new plan to rid himself of Sheila and inherit her wealth work out? Or can the efforts of Max and police inspector Hubbard uncover Tony's dastardly scheme before it is too late?

Roles

  • Mrs Sheila Wendice [30 - 45] Female

    Rich, attractive, modern young housewife, conventional of the 1950's. Wants her marriage to work despite having had a brief affair with Max Halliday at a vulnerable time in her life. Strong and intelligent, essentially kind and trusting, can be playful. Has inherited wealth.

  • Mr Tony Wendice [30 - 45] Male

    Husband of Sheila Wendice. Attractive, ex Wimbledon tennis champion and veteran, now reluctantly working in a business environment. As an amateur Wimbledon player of the time he has been supported by his wife's wealth. He has married for money. He has easy manners and has a certain charisma. Essentially totally selfish, he hides his narcissism under this veneer of charm. He likes to be in charge of his life and situation.

  • Max Halliday [30 - 45] Male

    American. Has had a brief affair with Sheila. Attractive man of independent means. Talented acclaimed author of crime stories. Trustworthy and Independent thinker. Can be humorous. Dependable, calm, and confident. A modern man of the 1950's.

  • Captain Lesgate [40 - 55] Male

    Attended same public school as Tony Wendice. A sly individual, career criminal and opportunist.

  • Inspector Hubbard [50 - 65] Any

    A Scotland Yard detective, possibly ex-army officer with a subtle military bearing. Very polite, thorough and skilled as a Detective. Able to command a situation. Has a certain vanity. Wry sense of humour, with certain eccentricities of character. This role could be performed by a suitable female actor wishing to apply for this part.

  • Police Constable Any

    A very small part of a minute or two and voice off.

Please edit the roles in the details tab