Trial by Jury

Trial by Jury has been a summer tradition in Hobart for more than a decade. It is often difficult to attract performers in the warmer months and director, Patricia Robinson, has achieved this with fluid casting options.

It was a privilege to see accomplished performer Darren Sangwell in the role of the judge. There were echoes of Hamilton’s King George in his excellent characterisation. In the following session (there are two every Friday and Saturday evenings), Kieren Slicer, took the same role and did not disappoint.

The diction of the ensemble was excellent and the men’s chorus particularly strong. There was a weakness in the women’s section and acapella moments did not quite come off.  Louise Stubs sang well as the principal bridesmaid ,exhibiting lovely tone and excellent pitch. Nick Paine was strong in the role of defendant as was Tony Johnson as Foreman of the Jury. The cast is completed by experienced performer, Eleanor Webster, and newcomer, Yvonne Kerklan.

For the first time in the Supreme Court venue, the visual monitors were used. The audience responded well to the images which, although not necessary - not the plot, did illuminate such archaic phrases as “a la Wattau”.

Costumes by Robyn Rheinburger suited this traditional rendition of Trial by Jury which will be presented later this month to a private audience of legal luminaries.

Anne Blythe-Cooper