As we entered the auditorium this evening to take our seats for Agatha Christie's courtroom suspense drama, 'Witness For The Prosecution', we were greeted by an open set on stage. A courtroom, wooden benches for the defendant, barristers, etc, and a higher, central one for the judge. Above this a large statue of Lady Justice. It looked both very authentic and theatrical.
However, the play started by cast walking on in silence and changing the set. One of the benches is on casters and the other side reveals the chambers of solicitor Wilfred Robarts. Not only did this seem unnecessary it didn't feel right and served only to lengthen the play. Why not have this set already and the curtains closed? Furthermore, the positioning of the two chairs, an extension to his office, was very false. They were positioned far too far away from each other and the desk, and pointing towards the audience. This was the very worst of amdram stage settings sadly.
However, the acting and following direction, was far from "amdram" fortunately. First night nerves and the odd hiatus notwithstanding, director Mike Shaw had worked well in creating the correct feel to this story, building the whodunnit element with skill. The first act was a little slow at times, but the characterisations were solid, realistic, and believable. The second act was swifter and more engaging, and I certainly had not guessed the entirety of the clever denouement.
This was a very strong ensemble cast and they all worked well to bring about this dramatic and very wordy script. I admit to never having seen the stage play before, and to not remembering the film, which I watched when too young to appreciate it. So, tonight I was watching the plot unravel for the first time, and it was quite fascinating.
Jonathan Black as Sir Wilfred Robarts QC and Jonathan Barker as solicitor Mr. Mayhew both gave grounded and credible performances as members of the bar. I have to say that my contact with such personages has been very infrequent fortunately, but they both presented the stereotype to perfection. The same can also be said of Geoff Holman as Judge Justice Wainwright and Stewart Mathers as Mr. Myers QC. (I loved his little signature coughs).
The accused, Leonard Vole, was totally convincing and (without giving too much away), his tiny but excellently measured character change towards the end, was superb. A very personable actor, and hit the nail on the head with this role. His wife, the "foreign" Romaine Vole was played with stylish arrogance, and given just the right amount of superciliousness by Antonia Whitehead.
The lighting was generally good, but when we were in Robarts's chambers there was a black spot behind the two outlying chairs, meaning that whenever anyone walked behind them - as they did frequently - they were unlit and in shadow. Also, I don't think some of the voices this evening were loud enough or being projected enough. Fortunately I had a fifth row seat, so this was not an issue for me, but on several occasions I doubted whether or not the rear of the auditorium would have been able to hear.
Overall however, a sturdy and gripping piece of whodunnit theatre, performed by a strong and talented group, keeping one engaged and guessing right to the end [that is, if you don't already know the story!].
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 22/5/23
Very nice
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