Rough Justice

The practical set worked very well, with the different acting areas well defined with lighting and good atmospheric music.

The play was very well cast, bringing out the characters and building on the drama of the situation into a tense atmosphere.   The two main protagonists in this court-room were quite exceptional, a huge amount of dialogue to learn and not a single prompt on this first night.   As Margaret Casely QC, Bella Chirodian was authoritative and disciplined with an excellent presence and style.  She had very clear diction, which was used to express the prosecution in firm tones and pursue her target.   I understand that this was her very first large principal role.   As defence  Alan Carpenter, playing James Highwood, was exceptional, very emotional in breaking down under the strain of the situation in the case, but belligerent, determined and defensive for his wife and standing his ground. These two performances were worthy of great accolades from all who saw the production, and a lot of work had gone in behind the scenes at rehearsals.

 The support roles are very important, adding to the atmosphere and build-up of the situation.   David Dowson was an impressive Judge with control, reactions and dialogue as the lynch pin at the Old Bailey.    PC Ramsden (Rob Brett) and Dr Kerr (Rosemary Day) gave evidence well and Heather Carpenter, as Dr Radzinski, commanded the court and dock with her assessment of the medical states.   The wife Jean (Ellie Hupton) and solicitor/friend Ackroyd (Peter Harrold) had substantial roles which were very important to the moods and defence situations.   The very emotional interplay between husband and wife, and certainly these two reacted so well with the defendant and brought out the drama in the scenes for discussion in the cell, two quite moving performances to compliment that of Alan Carpenter.

 The play was quite a roller-coaster on the emotions of all concerned on stage and in the audience.   There were lots of ethical and judgemental points raised; very difficult decisions and mixed sympathies.   This was a gripping play and one could hear a pin drop throughout.   The final accolade that showed, strongly, our involvement, was the silence at the end before the applause rang out.

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