Beyond Reasonable Doubt

I love a courtroom drama so was very much looking forward to seeing Water Lane Theatre Company’s production of Jeffrey Archer’s acclaimed play. On arrival we were welcomed by Penny Reeves, heading up the FOH team, as well as being able to have a few words with director Richard Pink, before taking our seats.

The open stage enabled us to observe the court room, set up to allow the defence and prosecution to address both judge and jury, in this case the audience.  Good use had been made of the thrust where S-J Pyne as Clerk of the Court and Amy Prosser as the Court Usher were seated either side of the proscenium.  It was the job of Greg Hill, as the Prison Officer, to call the witnesses and direct them up the steps onto the stage to take the stand. This he did with a good clear voice.

A superb performance by Daniel Abbott as eminent barrister Sir David Metcalfe QC.  Charged with murdering his wife, we watch as he conducts his own defence in the first act, before the audience is taken back to the night in question in the second. This is a challenging role over which Daniel really took command.  Having previously performed only in musical theatre, he has now proved himself to be more than capable of tackling a serious acting role.  Very well done.

John Bell was Anthony Blair-Booth QC and although for the most part he was convincing in the role, it was a shame that on numerous occasions he tripped over his words, which was, at times, distracting.  Hopefully it just happened to be a bad night for him and things picked up for the rest of the run.

Playing a judge often involves long periods without speaking, while all the time staying in character and of course coming in on cue.  Well done to Andy Roberts as Mr Justice Tredwell.  I hope he enjoyed his first foray into serious drama.

Corrina Graham-Hodson was Mrs Rogers, housekeeper to Sir David and Lady Metcalfe. She took the stand determined to throw her employer under the bus, while in the second act we witnessed her treating him with total irreverence while going about her duties in the house.  If looks could kill… Brilliantly played.

Well done to John Quick as Detective Chief Inspector Travers.  There were times when I thought, that as a high ranking detective, the character would have taken a more authoritative approach.  On the whole though, a good performance. A good performance also by experienced actress Nancy Jones as Dr Jane Weeden.

Lionel Hamilton was well played by stalwart of the society, Granville Rush and good support was given by Junior Counsel Mr Cole and Robert Pierson, as played by Adam Miles and Tom Livesey.

Completing the line up was Sally Fenton who had to wait until Act Two before making her appearance as the ailing Lady Metcalfe. This was a lovely sensitive portrayal of a woman who obviously loved her husband and who put her trust in him. 

 I found this to be a very gripping play.  The end came as a surprise to me, with the realisation that as well as being a courtroom drama, this was a love story.

Well done to everyone involved. Thank you for inviting me and for your hospitality.

 

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