Actor takes on director’s role for mystery thriller

Published 4:00pm 9 February 2022

Words by Ashleigh Howarth

A love for amateur theatre has prompted Fay Richards to transition from acting on stage to jumping into the director’s chair.

The lifelong member of Mousetrap Theatre Company has been overseeing early rehearsals for the group’s upcoming mystery thriller, Dial M for Murder.

The curtain will rise for nine shows between February 25 and March 13, including three matinees.

Mrs Richards said she was excited about her new role.

“I have been acting since 1993 and I have done heaps of shows with Mousetrap Theatre,” she said.

“I’ve had a few lead roles in past productions, and comedy shows have always been my favourite.

“Doing cabaret when your body is young and supple enough to do those high kicks is easy, but now…. It’s a big nope from me.

“Now it’s fun to be the person leading the play.”

Mrs Richards will be assisted by Val Farmer and the late Theresa Kendall.

“Sadly, Theresa passed away during production which I just couldn’t believe, but she still has the credits of assistant director,” she said.

“But I have also got Val as my assistant director to help me. It’s always nice to have a person by your side who had directed before to help you along the way.”

Local spin on a worldwide smash hit

Dial M for Murder, written by Frederick Knotts, was originally a stage play.

Shortly after, it was made into a movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly.

The storyline is full of twists and turns and takes the audience on a suspenseful journey of revenge, blackmail and murder.

The main character Tony plots to have his wealthy wife Margot murdered so he can get his hands on her inheritance. After discovering Margot is having an affair, Tony comes up with a plan to kill her by blackmailing an old acquaintance to do the deed. But when things go astray, he must outwit the police.

“One of my favourite scenes is the strangulation scene because it really is quite intense,” Mrs Richards said.

“The movie makes it look easy, but when you are doing it in front of a live audience every day on a small stage, it’s completely different… there’s much more to it.

“The two actors who perform that are doing a stellar job. In fact, everyone in the show is doing a great job. It has been a pleasure to work with them and see the show taking shape.”