Dial M for new touring alliance
- Alan Hulme
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
A UK tour of Frederick Knott's classic Thriller Dial M for Murder marks the beginning of a major long-term collaboration aimed at strengthening the future of touring drama in towns and smaller cities across the UK.
The production will visit Crewe Lyceum (July 13-15); Harrogate Theatre (September 8-12), and Blackpool Grand (September 15-19).
The Local Theatre Touring Alliance is committed to delivering quality drama with strong performances at its heart. Directed by Josh Mathieson, Dial M will star Tanya-Loretta Dee (Eastenders, Peaky Blinders) alongside Pete Ashmore (Crown, Silent Witness, Holby City).
The partnership has been developed in response to growing concern across the theatre sector about the decline of touring drama, shrinking audiences, and the increasing financial pressures facing regional venues. The companies hope the initiative will help re-establish regular touring drama in venues that have struggled to sustain it in recent years, while also creating a blueprint for a healthier and more resilient touring ecology nationwide.
Co-founder of the alliance and chief executive of Blackpool Grand, Adam Knight, said “We welcome this partnership between Phil&Ben Productions and PW Productions. For mid-scale 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.”
Iain Gillie of PW Productions 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.”
