Witness for the Prosecution

Agatha Christie has authored numerous crime novels which have been adapted into films and plays, with “Witness for the Prosecution” standing out as one of her most acclaimed works. True to Christie's hallmark style, the narrative has intricate twists and turns at every stage. Just as you think you know what’s happening, there is always something that make you re-think it all.

Congratulations to everyone involved with this very professional and amazing production. Skilfully directed by Hannah Pamplin, involving research into the characters, the style of dialogue and interactions to build tension at key moments. This was all perfectly executed by a very experienced and talented cast. The limited stage space required detailed planning, especially when the setting shifts from the Chambers of Sir Wilfrid Robarts to the courthouse for the trial. The production uses the same fixtures and props for both scenes by rotating the various items, with these changes made efficiently and quickly by the cast and stage crew.  The set designers and builders ensured that it all worked like clockwork.

Leonard Vole, after forming an acquaintance with a wealthy widow, is charged with her murder. The widow had recently altered her will, leaving Vole a substantial inheritance only days before her death. In court, both the defence and the prosecution present their cases vigorously, while witnesses offer conflicting testimonies. The cast of sixteen actors portrayed their characters perfectly and with clear diction ensuring that the pace of the play moved well. Jimmy Guy gave a very good performance as Leonard Vole. Perfectly displaying various emotions, he constantly denied committing the murder. Did the jury believe him? But if he didn’t do it, then who did? After all, there were others who could have committed the crime.

Defending Vole was Sir Wilfrid Robarts QC, brilliantly played by Sam Oliver-Webb. Sam mastered the complex legal language, and by his delivery and mannerisms was very convincing as the top QC. Similarly, Noa McAlistair delivered an excellent characterisation of Myers QC as Vole’s prosecutor. Both actors dealt with copious amounts of dialogue during the court case, as these “learned gentleman” strongly presented their respective arguments – outstanding.

Also involved in the court case is Mr Mayhew, Vole’s solicitor, and Joe Thompson skilfully played this character all the while trying to keep Vole from confusing the issues. 

Every office requires additional staff to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and Phil Claxton was spot-on as Carter, an alderman, with the somewhat flippant secretary Greta perfectly played by Kate Spivey.

Vole’s wife, Romaine, provides an alibi for him, but she changes her statements multiple times, altering the account to suit herself and leading everyone up the garden path. Does she love him? We never seem to know. Laura Torijano was brilliant as Romaine with an excellent German English accent and attitude. The plot introduces another character, Romaine in disguise, who presents letters as evidence of Vole’s innocence. However, it is later revealed that these letters are fabricated.

As the plot progresses, several characters provide testimony. Caroline Wiltshire (Inspector Hearne) and Ben Sanderson (Dr Wyatt) deliver strong performances. Sue Burgess stands out as Janet Mackensie, the hostile companion who falsely accuses Vole of murder with fabricated testimony.

The courtroom includes legal staff: the Jury Foreman (Bernadette Dales), Clerk of the Court (Beth Marsden), Judge Wainwright (Deborah Hewitt), Prison Warder (Nigel Turner), members of the jury (Ben Sanderson, Sue Burgess, Emma Starczewski) and Radio Newscaster (Christy Stanley). These individuals ably contributed to the authenticity of the trial.

At the conclusion of the play, when Vole is acquitted, another woman arrives and addresses Vole as her boyfriend. This development changes the direction of the story and further details are intentionally absent so as not to reveal the outcome.

As always you can tell how successful a production is by the response of the audience, silent throughout the production until the very end, when the applause said it all. Again, many congratulations to the director, production team, cast and everyone involved with this fine production. 

Thank you for the invitation, hospitality and a most enjoyable evening at the theatre.

Sue Cox - Drama Rep

NODA N.E. Region 14

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