UK Theatre Network

Bill Kenwright presents the Agatha Christie Theatre Company

Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution

At Milton Keynes Theatre

This play was initially a short story called Traitor Hands written by Agatha Christie in 1925 which she adapted as a play, Witness for the Prosecution, in 1953. It was performed in London, then Broadway and in 1957 was adapted for film.

This is a Courtroom drama so it is essential not to reveal anything that will spoil it for anyone who hasn’t yet seen it. However, with this in mind, I will tell you a murder has been committed and a young man, Leonard Vole, has been charged with the offence. Vole claims he is innocent and is relying on his wife’s evidence to provide his alibi.

The action shifts between the Chambers of Sir Wilfrid Roberts, QC and the Number One Court of the Old Bailey. I found it fascinating that a very convincing open fire in the Chambers is transformed into the witness box in the Courtroom.

The story starts in December 1953 and continues into 1954.  Of course at this time the death penalty still existed for those convicted of murder, which placed an even heavier burden on the jury to reach the correct verdict. There is more pressure on the Barristers to make sure the innocent do not end up at the gallows or that the guilty go free. At this time no one could be tried twice for the same offence.

Denis Lill is excellent in the role of Sir Wilfrid Roberts, QC who is defending Vole in court. He is utterly believable as this character and gave a very strong performance. Ben Nealon takes the part of Leonard Vole and is very plausible in the role of this pleasant, if a little naive, young man. His wife, Romaine Vole is played by Lisa Kay, who gives a strong, emotional performance. I also enjoyed Peter Byrne’s portrayal of the Judge, Mr Justice Wainwright. Vole’s solicitor, Mr Mayhew was played convincingly by Robert Duncan. Mark Wynter takes the role of Mr Myers, QC for the prosecution and is plausible in the role. He has a habit of adjusting his wig, which Sir Wilfrid had alluded to before we saw him do it, this made it more amusing. I liked Jennifer Wilson’s portrayal of the victim’s housekeeper who appeared to be a little deaf and had to be told by the Judge to direct her evidence at the Jury.

Various witnesses give their evidence and Christie has already thrown in a surprise to keep us all on our toes. During the interval members of the audience could be heard speculating on who they thought was the guilty party. The tension builds in the court and there are some surprising revelations and then there is the verdict. However after the verdict further twists and shocks are in store.

I enjoyed this play, once again Agatha has outwitted me, for I was unable to guess the outcome, but this is what I find appealing in her work. I think I would find it a little disappointing if I wasn’t surprised. This play is a must for anyone who appreciates Agatha Christies work and it is an excellent production.

Witness for the Prosecution plays Milton Keynes Theatre from Mon 14^th to Sat 19^th June 2010. Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee).

The tour then continues playing Theatre Royal Plymouth Mon 21^st Jun to Sat 26^th Jun 2010.

www.miltonkeynestheatre.com www.agathachristie.com

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday 14^th June 2010.