New comedy drama inspired by real-life touring experiences debuts in Ipswich

Why it matters: The production comes from the creative team behind the critically acclaimed courtroom drama "The Verdict," which toured the UK and Ireland to significant success in 2023.

The details: The world premiere of this new comedy drama will run from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 March at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre.

Set in 1991, the play follows a group of travelling actors from England as they navigate the challenging landscape of the Scottish Highlands and Islands village hall circuit to perform Frederick Knott's classic 1950's thriller "Dial M For Murder."

Behind the scenes: "Dial M for Mayhem" is written by Margaret May Hobbs and directed by Michael Lunney, who also designed the production.

The play is loosely inspired by Middle Ground Theatre Company's real experiences of touring the Highlands and Islands in the early 1990s and features a cast of seven actors: Alasdair Baker, Estrid Barton, Isabella Inchbald, Eliza Langland, Joey Lockhart, Luke Rhodri and Theo Woolford.

What they're saying: Behind the Arras gives it 4 out of 5 stars, saying: “Impressive... keeps the laughter rolling.” Fairypoweredproductions.com calls it a “a joy to watch” and Derbyworld labels it “a theatrical treat.”

The bottom line: Theatre lovers can book tickets by visiting wolseytheatre.co.uk or calling 01473 295900. Tickets range from £20 to £31, with concessions available.

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