Beyond Reasonable Doubt

Beyond Reasonable Doubt
By Jeffrey Archer. 1812 Theatre (Vic). 25th May to 17th June, 2017.

In Jeffrey Archer’s play Beyond Reasonable Doubt, Sir David Metcalf finds himself accused of the willful murder of his terminally ill wife. After an overwrought courtroom scene, we see Sir Metcalf locked in an extensive legal struggle with his adversary, Anthony Blair-Booth QC. The audience is lead to believe that this is the end for Sir Metcalfe, as his former housekeeper claims to have witnessed the fatal act, and testifies against him.

Tim Byron as Anthony Blair-Booth was clearly well at ease in this role. His dialogue snappy, yet casual, and his use of the stage and mannerisms as you would expect of a high-priced prosecuting counsel.

And yes, Chris Hodson, you did deliver that one line well!

At the conclusion of the trial and just as the curtains close on Act 1, the audience, who represent the jury (as we are referred to throughout Act 1), are asked to deliver their verdict by ballot in the foyer; a novel idea.

Act II takes us back to the week preceding, and importantly, the crucial night of Lady Metcalfe’s demise. The play closes with a classic “unexpected twist” (which I found clichéd and pandering to the audience’s heart strings – but this is the fault in the writing, NOT the company of actors).

Stephanie King was the clear star of the show with her exquisite performance as Lady Millicent Metcalf. She delivered perfect restraint in the role of the dutiful wife, perfect hostess, and pain addled cancer sufferer. There was strength in King’s voice, but the pain always glimmered in her eyes (I believe you can always tell a good actor by their eyes, and King is a magnificent actor).

She was teamed well with the always marvelous Brett Hyland as Sir David Metcalf. Hyland sat into the script well, but without over-reaching it. I felt he struggled a bit with this role - purely because of the trite and overwritten dialogue.

Val Mitchelmore was fittingly cast as the housekeeper, Mrs Rogers.  The audience was given a clear juxtaposing image of her character from Act 1 to 2. She carried the role well and slid into the differing sides of her character with ease.

Set design by Robin Emmett was an engineering feat: a courtroom in Act 1 and an immoderate lounge room in Act 2. All in a matter of 20 minutes. A commendable job for the backstage crew!

Unfortunately there were a few minor hiccups with lighting and sound cues, and some of the actors were still struggling with the script. These will be ironed out quickly

Overall, a praiseworthy effort by the actors and crew.

Penelope Thomas

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