Dial M for Murder to tour as part of new initiative to strengthen mid-scale circuit
Pete Ashmore and Tanya Loretta Dee are two cast members, headshots supplied by the production
A new production of Frederick Knott’s classic thriller Dial M for Murder will embark on a UK tour in 2026, launching a new collaboration aimed at supporting the future of touring drama across the country.
Produced by Phil&Ben Productions and supported by PW Productions, the piece will premiere as part of the Summer 2026 repertory season at Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne, where it runs from 2 to 11 July before touring to venues in Crewe, Fareham, Swindon, Westcliff, Harrogate, Blackpool, Coventry and Peterborough.
The tour marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between Phil&Ben Productions and PW Productions, designed to strengthen opportunities for mid-scale touring drama in towns and smaller cities throughout the UK.
The companies say the initiative has been developed in response to growing concerns across the sector regarding the decline of touring drama, shrinking audiences and increasing financial pressures on regional venues.
Phil and Ben said: “We believe audiences in towns and smaller cities deserve regular access to outstanding live drama, and that the appetite for it remains strong. Dial M For Murder is an exciting production in its own right, but it also stands for something larger: a commitment to restoring confidence in mid-scale touring theatre and building lasting partnerships with venues and audiences.”
PW Productions’ Iain Gillie added: “For many venues, the challenge isn’t a lack of interest in drama – it’s the financial risk attached to presenting it. We want to help change that. Supporting Phil&Ben Productions allows us to invest in a model that prioritises sustainability, collaboration, and audience development, ensuring touring drama can continue to thrive beyond the major cities.”
The partnership has been developed in response to recommendations made in Arts Council England’s independent review The State of Touring and aligns with the objectives of the Local Theatre Touring Alliance. The companies hope the collaboration will help create a more sustainable touring ecology while supporting audience development and strengthening relationships between producers, venues and communities.
Adam Knight, chief executive of Blackpool Grand Theatre and co-founder of the Local Theatre Touring Alliance, welcomed the initiative, saying: “For mid-scale presenting venues, this kind of collaborative working and sustained commitment is exactly what is needed to grow audiences for touring drama while sharing risk more effectively and strengthening the long-term ecology for regional theatre.”
Directed by Josh Mathieson, the production will star Tanya-Loretta Dee as Margot Wendice and Pete Ashmore as Tony Wendice. They are joined by Simon Pothecary as Max Halliday, Katy Dean as Inspector Hubbard and Phil Stewart as Captain Lesgate.
