Witness for the Prosecution

Poulton Drama returned to the stage this week with their postponed production of Agatha Christie’s crime thriller ‘Witness for the Prosecution’. Set traditionally in three Act’s, this production was visually very good. The opening scene took place on the raked stage and the set looked fantastic to give it a realistic feel of the Chambers of Sir Wilfred Robarts QC. The courtroom action took place on the floor of the auditorium with the audience in the role of the jury which made us feel more part of the action. Directed by Ian Rowe, this version was a little disjointed at times. Whilst the pace was kept by some characters, others brought the pace down a little. At three hours, this play was a little bit of a hard slog and perhaps could’ve done with some edits to help with the timing. On the whole though, the directing was good, especially where it added to the tension and the storytelling. For me, the staging of the final scene was not realistic and not in-keeping with the rest of the play. The character of Romaine was shouting her lines to Sir Wilfred which meant that Leonard Vole and Mr Mayhew could’ve easily overheard. The final twist in which Romaine stabs Leonard was a little too basic, with Leonard dying within seconds of being stabbed once in the back. There were far too many characters in the courtroom scene reading from their scripts, hidden in their characters papers/folders for me too and I didn’t like the staging of having Myers sat at the same table as Robarts, but this is just a personal note. What was apparent was the fantastic storytelling from everyone. The projection, diction and articulation from everyone was brilliant which is very important as the audience need to listen to the story to work out whodunnit! A lot of hard work has gone into this which is duly noted.

The staging itself was great and I really enjoyed the costumes and properties used. A few of the men’s trouser legs were a little long but I highly doubt that anyone in the audience noticed this. The costume designs for everyone was great, including the wigs for the courtroom characters. What I also loved that everyone in the courtroom scene was acting throughout, whether they had lines or not. I enjoyed all of the subtle looks and nuances which helped build character and layer the scene. The lighting plot was basic with general white washes but it didn’t need to be anything other than this. Lighting was used to show the passing of time also, which was well done.

The part of Leonard Vole was played by Ryan Townsley. Whilst I personally didn’t like this version of this character (I see it in a completely different way), Ryan was great in this role. His diction and projection was excellent, as was his pace! It’s clear that Ryan knew every single word of his text and his line delivery was superb!

Sir Wilfred Robarts was played by Phil Gorner. Phil did well throughout as there are a LOT of lines. His storytelling was good, and I loved his side looks to both Mayhew and Myers in the courtroom scene. There was a little too much looking down at the words for me and the pace was dropped a little too much too, but overall, a lovely performance of a great character.

Romaine, Leonard’s ‘wife’ was played by Claire Hull Naylor. Claire was suitably intriguing as Romaine and came alive as the woman! Her stage presence is brilliant, and she had a great energy on stage. I knew that every time she was onstage, we were in safe hands!

Mr Mayhew, Leonard Vole’s solicitor, was played by Tony Alman. Tony’s diction and projection were great, and he had a good command of the text too. I liked his rapport with Phil Gorner as Robarts.

Greta and Carter were played by Lynn Alman and Geoff Porter respectively. Whilst I felt that Greta was a little overplayed and a little too camp, Lynn was certainly entertaining and brought a much need sense of humour to this script. Geoff was good in this role too and I really enjoyed his side reactions and discussions with the courtroom user, played by Sally Grey. Both Sally and Geoff were very realistic and watchable throughout the courtroom scene.

One of the standout performances from me was Cathie Welsh’s Janet MacKenzie. Cathie’s first entrance was hilarious, and she instantly became alive and entertaining! Her line delivery was fantastic, and she was thoroughly entertaining throughout! A wonderful performance – Cathie was very well cast in this role!

All other parts were played well, and each were great in the continuance of the plot to keep us guessing. Each told the story well and looked like they were having a great time being back onstage.

Overall, this was a lovely night at the theatre. I haven’t been to a Poulton Drama performance before but if this is the standard of work that they produce, all whilst in the throws of cast changes (damn COVID), then this bodes well for all future performances.

I thank Poulton Drama for their invitation and hospitality and wish them all the very best for their 2022 season.

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