Agatha Christie's mastery of dialogue and suspense are alive and well in County Hall production of Witness for the Prosecution. Jessamy Chapman reviews it
There's no greater escapism than a good old Agatha Christie, and the latest West End run of her famous play Witness for the Prosecution does not disappoint, offering a couple of hours of intrigue, drama and sheer entertainment.
It's set in the sumptuous surroundings of London County Hall on the South Bank, the previous home of the Greater London Council; the grand Chamber doubles splendidly as the Old Bailey. You the audience are in the public gallery (with unusually ample legroom) to hear the case of Leonard Vole (Jack McMullen), a handsome, rather naive young man who just can't believe the nightmare he's found himself in: He stands accused of murdering a wealthy, lonely older woman, and the penalty is hanging.
The cast is wonderful, from the witty defence lawyer Robarts (David Yelland) to his hapless opponent for the prosecution Myers (Philip Franks), to Leonard's dangerous wife Romaine (Catherine Steadman); they effortlessly bandy Christie's timeless dialogue between them. Most of the play takes place in the courtroom, but there's never a dull moment.
If you're familiar with Agatha Christie's work, the plot is classically familiar and yet quite unique, with enough twisting to leave your mouth hanging open on at least one occasion – and a dramatic ending to leave you reeling.
Witness for the Prosecution is terrific fun, and bound to be a hit with groups. It's booking until September.
- For group bookings, call 020 7206 1174 or email enquiries@groupline.com
