TAUNTON Thespians are putting the final touches to Dial M For Murder by Frederick Knott ready for performances at the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton.

This taut and exciting thriller is well known due to the film of the same name directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Set in 1954, when marriage was for life and murder meant a brief encounter with the hangman, this taut thriller tells the story of how Tony Wendice, a retired tennis professional, decides to arrange the perfect murder.

The victim is to be Sheila, his wife of many years, who has been seeing Max Halliday, a TV murder story writer. Max subsequently gets embroiled in this tissue of lies, deceit and malice aforethought, as does the mysterious Captain Lesgate.

Thespians director Mike Linham has selected an experienced cast, including local favourites Alan Coles, Brian Lewis, Rob Adam and Michael Gilbert. The Thespians are also pleased to welcome Laura Burrow as Sheila – the part played by Grace Kelly in the Hitchcock film.

Tickets for the show, which runs from Tuesday to Saturday, March 7-11, are priced £14, £10 and £5. They are available from the Brewhouse on 01823 283244 and Taunton Visitor Centre on 01823 340470.