Witness for the Prosecution

Agatha Christie has written numerous crime books that have been turned into films and plays and “Witness for the Prosecution” is one of her finest. In true Christie style we have a plot which twists and turns at every possible moment, and just when you think you know what is happening, there is always something that makes you re-think everything. Phoenix Players should be very proud of what is a first-class production. The play was well directed, with an experience cast, and it was evident that a lot of work had gone into the style of dialogue to ensure that tension was built up in all the right places. The scenes moved with ease from the Chambers of Sir Wilfred Roberts over to the Court House where the trial was being held. We, the audience, were the jury and the lighting and sound effects enhanced the scenes.

Leonard Vole, having befriended a rich widow, now stands accused of her murder. She has left him a vast amount of money in her will which she only changed a few days before her death. The defendant and the prosecutors battle it out in the court room with various witnesses giving conflicting evidence of Vole’s character. An experienced cast, consisting of fourteen actors, portrayed their characters perfectly and ensured that the pace of the play moved well from the opening scene until the final curtain. But, as in all Agatha Christie’s crime stories, there was a twist at the end.

Elliot Cable gave a first-rate performance, mastering a large amount of dialogue, as the accused, Leonard Vole, who constantly denied committing the murder. Did we the jury believe him?  But if he didn’t do it, then who did? After all, there were plenty of other suspects including some of the witnesses. Defending Vole was Sir Wilfred Roberts QC played superbly by Neil Mather. His mannerisms and speech delivery admirably suited a QC. Likewise, Jason Vardy’s excellent characterisation as the prosecutor, Mr Myers QC - there can be no room for error when delivering legal jargon. With copious amounts of dialogue required during a court case, these “learned gentlemen” strongly presented their respective arguments.

Also involved in the court case is Mr Mayhew, Vole’s solicitor, and Frank Bardsley played this character perfectly while trying to keep Vole from confusing the issue. Mark Kilburn-Stones played two roles as Mr Carter Clarke, an alderman, and Mr Justice Wainwright. Mark skilfully handled these two characters.  Every office needs a secretary to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and Elaine Veal as Greta achieved this with ease.

Romaine, Vole’s wife, leads everyone involved with the case up the garden path. She defended Vole and gave him an alibi, then changed her mind again and again, all the while telling the truth or lying to suit herself. Sue Briggs was brilliant as Romaine, with a good accent and attitude, who then throws the court case by introducing another character. This new character (actually, Romaine in disguise) provides letters intended to prove that Vole is innocent, but it turns out that these letters are completely fictitious.

The four remaining witnesses were Inspector Hearn (Lee Sanderson), Dr Wyatt (TraceyBriggs), and Helen Clegg (Yasmin Angove-Middleton) all gave good performances as their professional characters. Jill Connell gave a very impressive piece of acting as the angry old lady’s companion, Janet MacKenzie.  Viciously accusing Vole of the murder, most of her testimony was made up while trying to mislead the court and the jury.

In every court room, there are legal staff to assist in the running of the case. Clerk of the Court (Jess Vardy), Assistant Clerk, Ms Barton (Sandra Norburn) and Court Stenographer (Gaynor Robinson). At the end of the play when we think all is well, another lady, “The Woman” (Kim Baker), appears and greets Vole as her boyfriend. She doesn’t have much to say but it turns the story on its head, and this is where Agatha Christie’s writing comes into its own.

You can always measure the success of any production by the reaction of the audience, and we were spellbound throughout with not a sound being heard. Generally, between scenes and at the end of an act, the audience applaud. However, the silence this time was because the audience did not want to break the suspense built up by the cast. Brilliant work from everyone and the applause at the end said it all.

Again, many congratulations to the Director, production team, cast and everyone involved with this fine production.

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