Witness For the Prosecution

Playing for a sadly short season, this simply staged, beautifully produced Agatha Christie classic is one of the best plays ever to come out of Primadonna Productions. Nicely paced and with strong, layered performances, this was a joy to watch.

The set (by Carole Dhu) was created with simple projections and carry on furnishings (love the marble fireplace), creating a room in chambers and the court room, with basic but effective lighting by Angela Edwards. Costumes, apart from a couple of anachronisms, were well chosen for period and character by Cathy Puzey, MMDC and Carole Dhu.

Unlikely accused murderer Leonard Vole is played with quiet, awkward charm by Joel Gal, nicely embodying a character that sweet, friendly clerk (a smiling Bella Lambert) confidently proclaims couldn’t possibly be guilty. 

In the court under the stern eye of Peter Bonner’s Justice Wainwright, we meet a slew of lawyers. Great work from the defense with solicitor Mr. Mayhew (a very efficient Matthew Wake), advising clever barrister Sir Wilfred Roberts (a strong performance from Andy Peckover), with the quiet help of barrister Brogan-Moore (Barry Wake). Great showmanship from prosecutor Mr. Myers QC (Peter Shaw in his element).

Within the court, all of the cast were working well, with excellent focus, with great work from the representative jury Peter Sergeant, Max Bonner and Anna Marias, and the young police constable Luke Willman.