Witness For The Prosecution (Tour – Manchester)

Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution is a classic tale of murder, love, betrayal, greed and drama set in the 1950’s. The action takes place in the Chambers of Sir Wilfred Robarts, QC (Denis Lill) and then in the Number One Court at the Old Bailey, London. 

Accused of the murder of Miss Emily French; an older wealthy lonely lady, Leonard Vole (Ben Nealon) must face a jury of his peers who will consider the evidence and deliver their verdict. Conflicting testimony from various sources including Mr Vole, his wife, Romaine (Deborah Grant) and Miss French’s house keeper Janet McKenzie (Elizabeth Power) is expertly managed by Sir Robarts, QC and Vole’s solicitor Mr Mayhew (Robert Duncan). Will justice triumph? The truth will out as they say and in true Agatha Christie tradition; a thrilling, well written plot ensues.

The set is truly fantastic – moving seamlessly between the locations, really capturing the wood panelled Court Rooms in their full glory. It dominates the stage and gives the actors the platform to deliver great performances very convincingly.  The strength of acting in this piece shines through and brings this somewhat dated piece to life. Sometimes a little lacklustre it is the cast who really push the piece along.

Laced with tension, humour and intrigue, Witness For The Prosecution is well staged with a plot that will keep the punters guessing right through until the last moment.

– Ruth Lovett