Review: WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION, London County Hall

Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

Sometimes in theatre, a big part of the battle is setting the scene. The second you walk into the London County Hall to watch Agatha Christie’s Witness For The Prosecution, it’s safe to say that with its beautiful architecture and its very authentic court room, the scene is well and truly set. 

The story follows a young man named Leonard Vole (Joe McNamara) who is arrested on suspicion of murder. The majority of the show follows Leonard’s trial as evidence is produced, jury members are manipulated, and secrets are unceremoniously spilled.

The show as a whole is thoroughly engaging with some absolutely stellar performances. Jonathan Firth as ‘Sir Wilfred Robert’s QC’ commands the stage throughout, peacocking around the stage and gesticulating with theatrical splendour. The interaction between Firth and Miles Richardson’s ‘Mr Myers QC’ is masterful and both clearly display that they are both at the pinnacle of their craft. Their tumultuous to and fro upholds the energy, which is fast paced and entertaining throughout; their vociferous fencing match is mediated by Martin Turner’s ‘Mr Justice Wainwright’ who, whilst showing consistently he is the authority in the room, also has some fantastic dry moments that leave the audience cackling, his sassy attitude in fact at times  reminded us of Anne Robinson in the Weakest Link.

It’s important to give a shout-out to every single member of the cast in this production because whilst some of their roles are less prominent in the story overall, it is their dedication, focus, and tremendous team work that make this immersive production the thrilling experience it is.

The direction from Lucy Bailey is meticulous and well crafted, with the scene changes being some of the most impressive and succinct we’ve seen. The production from beginning to end is as clean as a whistle.

Whilst it would be positively criminal of us to divulge a drop of what unfolds as the court case comes to an end, what we will say Besties, is that if you are looking for a theatrical experience to get your mind racing, then don your detective’s hat and look no further, Witness For The Prosecution is the show to see.

A show guilty of greatness.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: James Edge

Witness For The Prosecution is currently booking until 20 March 2022, with tickets available here.