Presented by: Galleon Theatre Group
Reviewed: 8 May 2026
A full and welcoming audience gathered for the opening of Galleon’s latest classic, Dial M for Murder and they were not disappointed.
The set was open and dimly lit as the audience filed in, but it was when the lights rose that the audible gasps of appreciation were heard. Before the actors had even stepped on stage the set was, in itself, impressive. Grey, Black and White tones used exclusively made the watcher feels that they were instantly transported to a black and white film or tv show. Costumes and makeup on the actors followed suite (with one noted deliberate artistic exception) giving a familiar charm to all before the action had even started.
Enter Margot, Max and Tony, Knott’s caustic love triangle, each aware of the other’s misgivings but not aware of the potential of what these “follies” might lead to.
Margot is keenly played by Genevieve Hudson in classic radio voice fashion. She is the dichotomy of English reliance and nervous undercurrent able to relay her anxiety in subtle and ranged motions.
Tony, her scheming husband, is played in all the bluster, pomp and smugness of a self-satisfied narcissist by Joshua Coldwell. Coldwell flicks effortlessly from vulnerable, hapless man to confident “voice of reason” as Tony manipulates all around him for his own gain.
Patrick Clements’ Max provides a balance and contrast to Tony’s machinations. We are introduced to Max as an illicit love, giving him a “player” personality and therefore slightly untrustworthy. As the play develops, Max becomes the least of the audience’s worries after being presented with Tony’s choices. Clements transitions this well, becoming softer in motion and speech to create a more sympathetic character.
The second act is where the action really takes off and the feels almost doubled. This is partly due to the arrival of Gary George as Inspector Hubbard. George plays Hubbard with a welcome quirkiness. He navigates the fine line between eccentric and caricature without falling into either. Hubbard’s movements are steady and his thinking is fast, George does well in embodying both things.
The pawn of the piece is the questionable Captain Lesgate played with suitable sleaze by Simon Lancione. Sometimes the real test of how an actor has embraced the role is the audience’s physical reaction to them. This reviewer would have very much recoiled at the Captain in any close proximity.
As a whole this production is well designed, performed and supported technically. Great thought has gone into sound used, directorial and styling choices as well as providing a fresh view on these older concepts through the lens of today.
Warren McKenzie has assembled an excellent group of creatives and the results show.
Reviewed by Cara Brown
Venue: Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre
Season: Until 16th May 2026
Duration: 1.5 hours
Tickets: $25 – $28 (plus booking fee)
Bookings: https://www.galleon.org.au/html/dialMForMurder.html
