Witness for the Prosecution (West End) Review

Cast
Oliver Boot – Sir Wilfrid Robarts Q.C
George Jones – Leonard Vole
Ewen Cummins. – Mr Mayhew
Meghan Treadway – Romaine Vole
David Killick – Mr Justice Wainwright
Veronica Roberts – Janet Mackenzie
Alexandra Barredo – The Other Woman
Nicholas Chambers – Wyatt/Carter
Nicholas Cowell – Inspector Hearne
Rhîan Crowley-McLean – Stenographer
Luke Harrison – Solicitor
Antony Jardine – Warder
Lara Lemon – Greta/Clegg
Gyuri Sarossy – Mr Myers QC
Patrick Munday – Clerk of the Court
Callum Rayden – Judge’s Clerk
Lawrence Haynes – Court Officer 1/Randall
Paulo Vieira – Court Officer 2

Date: Wednesday 24th July 2024

Venue: London County Hall

Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including 20 minute interval)

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“You have been summonded for jury service” and this is the chance to head inside of London County Hall and experience the truly magical and unique experience of Agatha Christie’s gripping story of justice, passion and most of all betrayal inside a courtroom setting.

On my last couple of trips to London I have tried to get tickets for the this show, the unique setting of it being in a courtroom set up certainly had me wanting to experience that. Come on it is an extra dimension to the performance right? I can confirm that it really did add so much more to it all. Even more so when I couldn’t fully remember the ending, having caught up with the film two years ago. I mean I knew it had a few twists and turns, but don’t worry I am keeping the secrets.

Leonard Vole is accused of murder. It is not looking good for him at all, a widow who just happens to be very wealthy and as he is asked more questions from Sir Wilfred Robarts and Mr Mayhew it just gets worse and worse. Can his wife Romaine actually offer an alibi?

As the story and courtroom case unfolds in the audience we are left wondering who is actually telling the truth and who we support. Do we feel deeply sorry for Leonard as it all seems to be a misunderstanding and he actually did care about the woman he had been visiting since meeting in the street. Is his story real? Is anything about any of the characters real?

The performances are truly outstanding and the way in which you are fully emersed within the drama is special, even changing the stage around for the different scenes is done in a magnificent artistic manner. Oliver Boot, Ewen Cummins and George Jones all work so very well together. Megan Treadway was a true scene stealer and utterly brilliant.

Considering this was written way back in the 1950s it is actually frightening how many different aspects can still be related to current day life, especially when it comes to the struggle and lack of money. Also thinking about the innocent until proven guilty and how quickly opinions can be formed but then how one small comment can make you change your mind. It actually made me hope that I never actually get called up for jury duty though as that feels like it would be so stressful!

Below you can find the photos that I took inside the County Hall and then in the stage set up, I was sat in row B which was certainly nice and close to all of the action happening! This really does add to the drama and a truly magical theatrical experience. You can even go VIP and purchase a seat in the Jury which includes some participating as well as getting two drinks, a programme and notebook included (I wasn’t actually aware of this before attending). It actually makes me want to go back and be a jury member! Not forgetting that some of the seats in the stalls also means you will be sat next to some of the actors.