Book tickets
Our box office can be called on 07845 926295.
Pre-theatre menu at the Assheton Arms from £20 for ticket holders. See below for details.
A gripping thriller that twists the knife
Step into the shadowy world of suspense with Frederick Knott’s masterfully constructed 1953 stage play, Dial M For Murder - a taut, cerebral thriller that has captivated audiences for over seven decades. Originally written for BBC television and later adapted for the West End and Broadway, Knott’s play remains a benchmark of theatrical ingenuity, blending psychological tension, moral ambiguity, and razor-sharp dialogue into a chilling portrait of domestic betrayal.
Set in a stylish London flat, the story centres on Tony Wendice, a former tennis star whose charm masks a calculating mind. Tony’s seemingly perfect marriage to the elegant and spirited Sheila is threatened, not by scandal, but by his own sinister intentions. When Tony discovers Sheila’s affair with American crime writer Max Halliday, he devises a meticulous plan to have her murdered.
But murder, like tennis, is a game of precision...
What makes Dial M For Murder so enduring is its elegant simplicity. The plot is tightly wound, the stakes are personal, and the moral questions are disturbingly relatable. This is perhaps the reason Alfred Hitchcock chose to adapt it for the silver screen in 1954 with Ray Milland and Grace Kelly as the couple at the centre of the intrigue, and with a screenplay by Frederick Knott himself.
After its initial successful run in the West End, and then almost immediately on Broadway, Dial M For Murder has been revived numerous times, notably in a 1983 West End production starting Hayley Mills as Sheila.
About Frederick Knott
Born in 1916, Frederick Knott was a British playwright and screenwriter, best known for his suspenseful plays that often featured intricate plots and strong characters. Dial M for Murder remains his most famous work and has become a staple of the thriller genre.
Knott’s writing is characterized by its clever dialogue and ability to build tension, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. In addition to Dial M for Murder, he also wrote other notable plays such as Write Me a Murder and The Last of Mrs. Cheyney as well as, of course, Wait Until Dark, performed by Stage Two in 2019.
His works have been adapted into numerous films and television productions, further solidifying his legacy as a master of suspense. Knott’s influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary playwrights and screenwriters who continue to explore themes of deception, betrayal, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Cast
Tap to see more
Chris is celebrating his 12th year with Stage Two having tread his first board with the society in 2013’s The Ghost Train. Playing the ruthless and sinister Tony Wendice in Dial M for Murder is a far cry from Chris’ role as the doting lovesick husband Felix Ungar in Stage Two’s last production of The Odd Couple. But according to Chris, the diversity of characters is what keeps him coming back for more, that and the biscuits.
When not acting in Stage Two Chris enjoys singing bass in the Ribble Valley’s premier barbershop group Wrong Direction, and has been known to join the chorus of the odd musical here and there.
Jennifer has appeared in several Stage Two productions, including leading roles in The Winslow Boy and, more recently, God of Carnage. She is looking forward to appearing in this thriller, but isn’t sure about any comparison to Grace Kelly!
Having recently appeared in a couple of Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society’s productions, Alan is delighted to be back performing with Stage Two Downham. This is a great little play with a few dramatic twists that he knows the audience will enjoy. It’s also wonderful to be reunited onstage with some old mates from past productions.
He is also superexcited (apparently it’s what young people say) to be acting with his wife who “is a much better actor than what I am”.
Kate always wanted to try acting, following in her late mother’s amdram footsteps. She finally started with three lines in the Stage Two production of A Bunch Of Amateurs. Her first real role came in 2022 as Grace in The Winslow Boy. This was followed by another formidable character, Mrs Higgins in Pygmalion in early 2023. Then came Her Ladyship in The Dresser - another formidable woman, whom Kate really enjoyed playing.
Kate is about to embark on an exciting challenge playing a role normally played as/by a man! Quite a departure from her previous roles. A bit of a leap but one she feels she can make with the support of her Stage Two friends.
Richard’s first show with Stage Two was 2014’s Confusions, and he has appeared in several since then, including Educating Rita, and most recently The Odd Couple.
As well as Stage Two, Richard has appeared on stage for Blackburn Musical Theatre Company, and Blackburn Drama Club, where he has had the privilege of bringing to life some iconic roles, such as Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, and Perks in The Railway Children.
Jacqui has been with Stage Two Downham for 8 years and has been involved in some way with every Stage Two production in that time. Supporting backstage, from props to Production Manager, she has also appeared in a number of productions such as The Admirable Crichton, Pygmalion, Under Milk Wood and she particularly enjoyed the role of Tabby in We Are Three Sisters last autumn.
In 2021 Jacqui had her directing debut with The Winslow Boy, which took place in Hurst Green and then The Dresser in 2023. She’s is looking forward to being in a co-directing role for Dial M for Murder with the very experienced Richard Hubbard and working on her first thriller.This is Richard’s fourth time as a director, and he continues to co-direct, this time (and for the first time) with Jacqui Shepherd.
He has previously co-directed The Admirable Crichton and God Of Carnage with Chris Bowers, and Educating Rita with his co-star for that show, Jennifer Whiteside, for which they shared a Noda award.
Interval refreshments
There will be a bar selling refreshment before and during the interval of each performance.
Pre-theatre meal at The Assheton Arms
We are delighted that once again The Assheton Arms in Downham will be offering a pre-theatre meal exclusively for Stage Two Downham ticket holders.
They will provide a two course meal for just £20, and will also make sure your meal is complete in time for you to make short journey to Downham Village Hall. Once you have bought your theatre tickets, call The Assheton Arms on 01200 439699 to reserve your table.