![](https://www.sardinesmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Joshua-Glenister-as-Leonard-Vole-in-Witness-for-the-Prosecution-photo-by-Ellie-Kurttz.jpg)
Show: Witness for the Prosecution
Society: London (professional shows)
Venue: London County Hall. Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB
Credits: By Agatha Christie. Produced by Eleanor Lloyd Productions & Rebecca Stafford Productions
Type: Sardines
Author: Paul Johnson
Performance Date: 27/04/2022
Witness for the Prosecution
Paul Johnson | 29 Apr 2022 13:07pm
Photo: Ellie Kurttz. Review by Mrs. Sardines
Agatha Christie was always heralded as a veritable doyenne of the murder mystery. I myself pored over her library as a young a teenager. However, as Science and Technology have advanced, people are often expecting more from their crime and especially stage shows of her books appear fusty and dated. But not Witness For The Prosecution. The show intrigues and entertains (with only a landline telephone in sight). Managing to keep audiences quiet with their #SwornToSecrecy hashtag, this show could run and run, and with its seventh cast currently treading the boards at County Hall it does rather look like this is the case.
Now on its seventh cast, the production retains a fresh and pacey feel that long running shows can sometimes lose when the actors remain in the role a substantial period of time. Each character evokes strong feelings from the audience with their powerful and convincing portrayals, especially husband and wife Leonard (Joshua Glenister) and Romaine (Lauren O’Neil). Elsewhere in the strong cast, James Hayes takes on the all-powerful judge, Mr Justice Wainwright, while Owen Oakeshott plays Sir Wilfred Robarts Q.C., Richard Teverson plays Mr Myers Q.C. and Peter Landi takes on Mr Mayhew in Christie’s twisting courtroom drama.
Being a murder mystery it’s hard to talk too much about characterisation without giving anything away, suffice to say this is a strong cast throughout that confuddles and delights in equal measure tp bring Lucy Bailey’s powerful direction to the fore.
Half the success of this show however is the production’s unique staging. The austere and imposing County Hall probably deserves the star billing alone. As a first-time visitor, I was struck by the beauty of the hall, with the audience perched on the original seating (you can even buy jury seats!). I almost felt I was there to be judged! The clever inclusion of speakers around the audience means everybody can hear every word uttered.
Clever use of the multiple entrances delivers slick and stylish scene changes with a wonderful score accompanying throughout.
This is my favourite murder mystery seen onstage – well acted, super staging and an entertaining evening. Definitely a show to see but make sure you’re called for Jury Duty, you won’t regret it.
![](http://www.sardinesmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/James-Hayes-as-Mr-Justice-Wainwright-in-Witness-for-the-Prosecution-photo-by-Ellie-Kurttz.jpg)
Photo: Ellie Kurttz