REVIEW: Witness For The Prosecution

By ojones

Witness For The Prosecution

Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple

Review: Nicole Travers-Wakeford

SETTLING down on the settee, cup of tea in hand. That's how I usually prepare to watch an Agatha Christie drama on television. It's certainly easy viewing. Watching this classic whodunnit on stage, though, made me appreciate Christie's ability to write plots laced with murder, deceit and revenge.

With thrills and suspense from start to finish, this mind twisting storyline, brought to life by a star studded cast, is impressive. Familiar faces include Robert Duncan from comedy show Drop The Dead Donkey, playing the feisty solicitor Mr Mayhew; Honeysuckle Weeks, who has appeared in countless Catherine Cookson murder mysteries, playing Romaine Vole, the wife of the defendant; and Ben Nealon, who has appeared in The Bill and Casualty, playing Leonard Vole, the man accused of a brutal murder.

The drama dramatically demonstrates how people are not always what they seem and how easily people can be fooled by those they love while at the same time it highlights the holes in the British justice system.

The way in which the action unfolds in front of the audience has an impact. We act as the jury in the trial, with evidence being presented to us, rather than being passive bystanders.

This gripping courtroom drama had the opening-night audience on the edge of their seats. I, too, was pulled in, desperately trying to piece together all the clues and figure out the ending, which, I can say, was one I didn't anticipate. With witty one-liners and hidden humour, the acting was polished and the entire cast gelled well.

The play has many hidden twists which add to the intrigue and thrill — a world away from the easy tea time viewing I am accustomed to!

● There is still time to catch the play which is at the Queen's Theatre until Saturday, February 13. Box office: 01271 324242.