Interview: Joe McNamara & Emer McDaid on WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION
Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution returns to London’s County Hall tomorrow night (14 September); a production that thrillingly places the audience in the thick of the action as Christie’s enthralling tale of justice, passion and betrayal unfolds around them.
We spoke to Joe McNamara and Emer McDaid who play Leonard and Romaine Vole respectively about the show.
Can you begin by telling us a brief introduction to the play and a little bit about your characters in the Witness for the Prosecution?
JM: I play Leonard Vole, a man accused of murdering a wealthy woman. During the play we see the trial unfold, with lots of twists and turns along the way. Audiences should expect high drama, incredible plot twists and…well you’ll have to come and find out!
EM: I play the powerhouse Romaine Vole, Leonard’s wife, who subverts all expectations of what a woman was considered at the time.
The show has performed over 1000 times in over two and half years, what do you think gives this production its reputation?
JM: The show of course is incredible, and ticks all the boxes of a great drama. But I’d have to say a huge part of the reputation of the show is due to the venue. County Hall truly is the perfect setting for this play. Sometimes in rehearsals I really have felt on trial!
EM: The writing, direction and intellect that goes along with such a brilliant story is what keeps audiences coming back for more. It’s not just theatre but an experience.
With this production have there been any new ideas played with to develop the play further?
JM: Well obviously, with a new cast you’ll always have a fresh new perspective and take on the text. So, I think hopefully we’ll be able to bring something new to it.
EM: So far in rehearsals we have played with the world within the play and outside of the play to give a real authenticity to the audience experience.
With that reputation does it present challenges to you as performers when creating your roles?
JM: Luckily I haven’t actually seen it myself, so I’m coming to it with completely fresh eyes. But the show does have an incredible reputation, and from being in rehearsals, rightly so! I’m just so excited to be part of something that I really think people will enjoy.
EM: Each actor will always bring their own slant and ideas to the role and this creates a web of wonderful runs and performances and is exactly what keeps people coming back for more.
Joe, you are making your professional debut as the accused in Witness for the Prosecution. How are you preparing for this role?
Well I got the role 18 months ago so I’ve had a little while to prepare! I’m just feeling so grateful to be honest. It’s been a weird old time for the industry and I’m trying as much as possible to put nerves to one side and savour the experience. You can only have a debut once after all.
Emer, you have worked on some great stuff before this play, including Game of Thrones and Soft Border Patrol. What experience will you bring to your role as Romaine?
I hope I can bring a real sense of chaos and mischief to what is a fantastically complex character.
What has been your favourite part in the creative process for this show?
JM: Seeing the venue for the first time and being on the stage was incredible. As I say, it’s been a while for everyone and there was something very special about us getting together in the space for the first time.
EM: The first read through was what I can only describe as magic. Wonderful people in a wonderful venue just all absolutely buzzing to be part of the show. After such a long time away from the arts and watching how it suffered during the pandemic it is a joy to be back and hopefully to bring joy to others watching it.
You are working alongside a fantastic cast and creative team for the Witness for the Prosecution, what have you learnt from this experience?
JM: Some of the actors and members of the creative team have so much experience, that I’m just taking it all in really. They’ve got plenty of wise words so am just trying to soak up as much as possible. Like a theatrical sponge.
EM: Every single actor and crew member in the room comes with their own experiences that add to a wonderful bubble of talent. it is a joy to watch some legends at play. The likes of Teddy Kempner, Jonathan Firth and Miles Richardson have been magnetic to watch in the first weeks of rehearsals thus far.
What is something about the Witness for the Prosecution that people may not know?
JM: Apparently Agatha Christie hated the opening nights to her plays…but the first night of Witness was so incredible even she couldn’t fault it! She said “It was one of my plays that I like best myself.”
EM: That it will keep you guessing until the very end.
What can people expect from booking a ticket to see this show when it opens in September?
JM: Expect high drama, mystery, suspense…and maybe a few laughs! The show really does have it all. But don’t just take my word for it – come and see for yourselves…
EM: To expect the unexpected!
Witness for the Prosecution is currently booking at London’s County Hall until 20 March 2022. For more information and to buy tickets, please click here.
