Review: TWELVE ANGRY MEN, The Alexandra Birmingham - Tour

A jury holds the fate and life of a young delinquent in their hands. Accused of killing his father, what appears to be an open and shut case soon spirals into prejudices and preconceived ideas about the accused, the trial and even each other. 

Reginald Rose’s courtroom thriller was written in 1954, yet its themes feel more relevant today then they ever have. It has an experienced cast including Tristan Gemmill, the Juror with an unexplained personal vendetta; Gray O’Brien, the angriest man of them all; Michael Greco, the wise guy who wants the verdict so he can catch the ball game; and Patrick Duffy, the calm and collected conscience of the group.

Directed by Christopher Haydon, this is very much an ensemble piece, nothing would work without the combination of personalities sat around the table; whether the spoken interaction of the character be large or small, it is all imperative to the plot. There are some nice subtle moments too, such as the way Mark Heenehan’s Juror 4, methodically washes his hands.

The design of the piece by Michael Pavelka and lighting by Chris Davey, sets the scene perfectly. The atmosphere of the stuffy room in the middle of a heat wave, combined with an overload of testosterone hits you immediately, and the hum of the fan in the background is a nice creation of tension by sound designer Andy Graham.

This is a gripping and entertaining piece, focusing on the psychology of the everyday man and the morals and compassion we carry around with us, or not, as the case may be.

Tantalisingly thrilling!

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Twelve Angry Men plays at The Alexandra in Birmingham until 4 November before continuing its tour.