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Review Dial M for... Marvellous!!!! This was an exceptional piece of theatre by the Magdalene Players. Guy Johnson’s direction shone into every carefully studied performance. The detailed mastery of the complex plot and the nuances of each character were cleverly observed, from Tony Wendice’s (Humphrey Waterhouse’s) raised, evil eyebrow, to the way the lighting was managed when the curtains over the French windows on set were drawn concealing the mysterious happenings in the Wendice’s flat in Maida Vale. Craig McEwan made his debut with the Magdalene Players as Max Halliday, Sheila Wendice’s lover, who becomes party to the cunning schemes of Tony Wendice. His performance was truly professional and captivating, hopefully we will see him in many more productions to come! For such a warm-hearted person, the role of Tony Wendice seems miles away from Humphrey Waterhouse. Humphrey has had plenty of practice being the baddy since he played Cut-Throat the Pirate in 2007’s pantomime, Robinson dialm. His performance was very chilling and as the play progressed Tony Wendice revealed himself to be a man of desperation and cruelty in the pursuit of his wife’s death. He maintained menacing eye contact throughout the play, while his true emotions were kept very controlled and secret. The lovely Natalie Charles played the part of Sheila Wendice, Tony’s wife, Halliday’s lover. Her obedience to her husband and her dedication to Halliday were played out beautifully before the audience. Her mannerisms and actions completely exacted those of a woman tormented by guilt and shock after she killed a man in the act of self-defence, as her husband manipulates her in order to mask himself. David Ashton played the part of Captain Lesgate superbly! The audience sees the character crumble as he is berated and cajoled into killing Sheila Wendice as Tony continues to blackmail him. The look of sadness as he agrees to kill Sheila for £1000 is not to be forgotten as Wendice has defeated an already broken man. Considered as Nigel’s Grays best performance since he played Dr Bradman in Blithe Spirit, the role of Inspector Hubbard was one of the most challenging parts in the production as he carefully works out the strategy behind the death of Captain Lesgate and reveals it triumphantly at the end of the play having left no clues or indications for the murderer to reveal that Hubbard knows the truth. The monologue delivered at the end of the play showcasing Tony Wendice’s plot was naturally and exactly performed with ease and confidence. Luke Mileham played Sergeant Thompson with grace and excellence! Inspector Hubbard couldn’t have figured out the murder without him. As always, the lighting, sound and set were magnificent. It was very obvious that a lot of thought had gone into everything and that great effort had been put into creating a world for the characters. The costumes were a true asset to the performances and were flawless in terms of accuracy and precision, along with hair and make-up. Natalie looked beautiful in everything! Once again, the Magdalene Players were very hospitable and a big thanks goes to Jane Cooper for front of house. Well done everyone! It was a triumph. Rosie Thompson More Photos (click to enlarge)
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