Witness For The Prosecution

I really don’t remember being so held and absorbed throughout a performance with so many twists and turns with words written wonderfully by Agatha Christie.

An immersive production created at The Grove, inspired by the current West End revival, where we the audience were seated in the public gallery of the Old Bailey, the jury in two rows to my left, within reach of actors sometimes on floor level and with an intriguing female character sitting next to me. Other cast members were also placed amongst the audience.

The story unravels when Sir Wilfred Robarts, famous barrister, agrees to defend a plausible young married, at present unemployed, man Leonard Vole who fervently denies the murder of unmarried rich woman Emily French, who he befriended by chance and who is to become a beneficiary of her will. Although totally believable his alibi is difficult to prove only having his wife Romaine’s testimony to his whereabouts at the time of death, and the strength of Miss French’s housekeeper who was adamant Vole did murder her mistress. But whose side is Romaine on when she is surprisingly called as a witness for the prosecution!

So many twists and turns, an acquittal, then to discover Vole was truly the murderer and a finale surprise – and like the ‘Mousetrap’ I shan’t reveal! I will say that after a while and seeing the interaction and facial expressions of the young woman sitting next to me, I had a sneaky feeling there was more than a passing interest in the trial and I was sitting next to a character of much interest – the other woman played by Lily Alliston. This fast moving performance, very strong, both verbally and physically, kept the audience on a knife edge!!

The set build and design was created by Christian McDonald supported by Melody Bertucci and props produced by Louise Ware and organised by Felicity Reynolds. I would have loved to have seen a Bakelite radio though. Stage managed by Jeff Graves with items quickly and discretely moved with assistance from choreographed cast. Front of tabs became the chambers setting with chairs and a small table where tea trays prepared by willing Greta, an enthusiastic, loyal typist were set – lovely performance from Louise working well together with Louie Kavakli as Carter the Clerk. A small unit where a full decanter and glasses stood and which were frequently in use. A further upright writing bureau stood at an angle with side drawers and a comfortable red leather chair suiting Sir Wilfred’s position.

Using the floor level in front of the audience was most effective too. On opening tabs we had the full court set with centre set Justice Wainwright performed by experienced Nick Reynolds, adept with his gavel, was impressively costumed in raised central position under the crown crest and below either side his Stenographer – Jill Kenton with Court Clerk – Melody Bertucci who when  uttering ‘all rise’ I almost felt obliged to stand to attention. The witness box stood stage left. The Lighting – and particularly the gloomy, seedy Limehouse scene under a set of streetlights, was effective, designed and operated by the team from the back box working well with voice clarity particularly clear throughout.

The PR was active and added touches of an embossed pens and notepads and a well-produced comprehensive programme, too a nice feature. What a wonderful inclusion the news that two members of the West End cast were present on their rest day at the cast dress rehearsal and what a great boost for the young actor playing the lead role. Director Peter with his expertise in crime mystery and his creative team together brought this clever script to life and the cast all became and lived their characters.

Kai Knight at such a youthful age is to be congratulated for not only his physical action whilst being restrained but his constant facial and body nervousness and wordy quick script that had us fooled throughout. Sophie Caverley played his duplicitous wife Romaine – a European accent and a knowing eye, but who was she really? Will Smith took on the role of John Mayhew a convincing supporting role, with a sympathetic ear assisting Sir Wilfred played by Calum Avery. Younger than my imagined KC, but his character was strong giving a persona of much experience. Again, another younger performer Sam Kavakli gave a strong unmoved performance to the character of Mr Myers KC, Crown Prosecutor. I particularly enjoyed Annie Bennett using a distinct Scottish accent and the determination she put over in her belief that Vole was guilty of Miss French’s murder. Other important cameo parts that I’ve not named, but all strategic to the plot, were played out well and together this large team gelled to create a fine murder mystery. Costumed by Graeme Herbert-Boon who himself was wearing a shirt of WTTP material, assisted by Amy Rayiru was well in keeping for the era of seamed stockings, jaunty hats ladies’ smart suits, DS trench raincoat and trilby plus effective legal attire completing the picture.

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