Phil&Ben Productions have announced a new UK tour of Frederick Knott’s classic thriller Dial M for Murder, launching a major initiative to revitalise touring drama.
The production will premiere at Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne, running from 2 to 11 July 2026, before touring to venues including Crewe, Fareham, Swindon, Westcliff, Harrogate, Blackpool, Coventry and Peterborough.
Directed by Josh Mathieson, the show will star Tanya-Loretta Dee as Margot Wendice and Pete Ashmore as Tony Wendice.
They are joined by Simon Pothecary, Katy Dean and Phil Stewart, bringing together a cast that combines experienced touring performers with emerging talent.
The tour marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Phil&Ben Productions and PW Productions, designed to support sustainable touring in towns and smaller cities.
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.”
Iain Gillie of PW Productions said: “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.”
Adam Knight, Chief Executive of Blackpool Grand Theatre, added: “Blackpool Grand Theatre warmly welcomes this partnership between Phil&Ben Productions and PW Productions. 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.”
The initiative responds to growing concerns about the decline of touring drama and increasing financial pressures on regional venues.
By combining resources and expertise, the partnership aims to rebuild audiences, strengthen relationships with local communities and create a sustainable model for mid-scale touring productions.
Dial M for Murder will headline the project, bringing its tension and classic storytelling to a wide range of regional theatres across the UK.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
