WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION

Leonard Vole stands accused of murdering a rich widow.  The stakes are high with the shocking witness testimony, impassioned outbursts from the dock and a man’s fight to escape the hangman’s noose!  Generally regarded as one of Agatha Christie’s most accomplished plays, this suspenseful thriller will keep you guessing until the very end, and then there’s always that final twist!

For 1968 to 2001 I served as a Police Officer, mainly in the Liverpool Area. I spent many hours in many different courts being examined and cross examined by solicitors, barrister’s and the like….this play brought back so many memories!

It was obvious from the start that all the actors in this play had either been given or had formed a clear picture in their own mind of how their characters might behave in a courtroom; as a result we had some great characterisation and interpretation throughout the whole of this excellent production.  Diction and projection were excellent, meaning, clarity of word was very good and the story could easily be followed,

There were many strong performances in this production, but the standout performance for me was delivered by Chris Hill playing the role of ‘Sir Wilfrid Robarts QC’, the Senior Counsel for the Defence to the accused Leonard Vole.  Chris had a very real and believable presence on stage, his mannerisms, timing and characterisation of the Defence Barrister were outstanding…be ever so proud!

Phil Quinn playing the part of the accused murder ‘Leonard Vole’ gave a wonderful interpretation of the confused accused; his hesitation and disbelief were superbly acted out…. well done!

‘Romaine’ the so called ‘wife’ of the accused Leonard Vole, was played by Debbie Wells.  Debbie was a ‘perfect fit’ for this role; ‘stage presence aplenty’; an accent that never faltered, an ability to show us the different sides of this character with a ‘killer’ finish!  Again, be proud! 

Finlay Robertson played the part of the Crown Prosecutor Mr Myers QC and looked ever so comfortable in this role.  Again, the characterisation was ‘spot on’ and the interaction in court between Myers and Roberts was ‘believable’ creating just the right atmosphere.

‘Janet Mackenzie’ the faithful housekeeper to the deceased was well played by Olivia Lloyd and was another who was well cast and who looked totally comfortable with her role.  Well done…

Peter Rogers was given ‘two roles’ and played them both well. The first was that of Mr Mayhew, Lawrence Vole’s solicitor, advisor to Wilfrid Robarts QC., again, very confident and believable. He then ‘donned’ another suit to play the role of ‘Dr Wyatt’ the Police Doctor giving medical advice to the court.

There were some excellent supporting performances and characterisations by Libbie Cowburn as ‘Greta’ Officer Employee of Wilfred Robarts QC., Toby Hewitt who was another who ‘doubled up’ playing ‘Carter’ Wilfred Roberts Chief Clerk/Office Manager and that of ‘Mr Clegg’ a Forensic Officer.  Hilda McAughey played the role of our Judge Mrs Justice Wainwright. David White played the part of Inspector Hearne the Police Inspector who arrests Lawrence Vole. George Gottig played the Court Clerk, and Emma Meen played the part of ‘The Woman’.

The performance was staged on the floor of the village hall, with the audience ‘wrapped around’ the court proceedings acting as the ‘jury’.  This not only worked well but created an authentic courtroom atmosphere.  The set was minimal, well thought out and worked extremely well. Congrats to Tony McAughley. The lighting used was good and added to the production, but if I maybe so bold as to offer one small piece of ‘constructive criticism’ and I hope I don’t offend anyone in doing so, ‘Two x LED Par Lights’ located on the floor under the lighting bar, one blue and one red - illuminated just once in Act 2 and due to their location/direction when lit, shone directly into my faces and the faces of others sat close by, creating some viewing problems and discomfort to the eyes. I’m not sure if it’s usual practice to ‘work’ on the floor’, but worth remembering if used again. The costumes and props were of good quality and of the era and again added to the performance - congrats to Jane Tingle and the cast.

Finally, congratulations to Phil Quinn on this excellent production. Phil not only took a lead role in this production but directed it as well. Be proud sir, be proud!

This was my first visit to Mawdesley Village Hall and my first viewing of Mawdesley Amateur Dramatic Society and I hope it isn’t my last.  Thank you so much for inviting my wife and I we had a lovely enjoyable evening and we look forward to seeing you all again in the very near future!

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