County Hall, London – until 28 April 2024
Reviewed by Alec Legge
4****
To the Chamber at the County Hall to see this Agatha Christie masterpiece. The Chamber is a wonderful setting for the play, lending itself to becoming a theatre in the round. The main seating for the audience is laid out in a semi circle with the remainder being sat in what were the public galleries. and the seating being the original seats from when the Chamber was used by the council for it’s deliberations The open end, where the Mayor and his officials once sat, now being used as the Judges Bench with the Court Officials seated in front. It truly lends itself to being a representation of the Old Bailey with its awe inspiring décor and a wonderful atmosphere.
To add to the atmosphere a representation of the Lady Justice, which sits on top of the Old Bailey, is situated above the Judges Bench. All in all the Chamber does give the appearance of a real courtroom
The actual stage is built within the semi circle of seats and is in clear view of all. The Jury box is situated adjacent to the Judges’ Bench and is filled with members of the public acting the part.
The play starts with the jury being sworn in as would happen in a real court. Then the stage alternates between being a courtroom and barristers chambers. The plot is full of so many twists and turns, with some humour included, making it difficult to describe without giving away the plot! Suffice to say it is Agatha Christie at her best.
The actors gave a tremendous performance and every word uttered is audible. The plot followed was a good representation of what happens in a barristers chambers and the court procedures were believable given some artistic licence.
Harry Giubileo gave a masterful performance as Leonard Vole, the central character and the accused, as did Madelaine Walker as his wife. The two Barristers, Jo Stone-Fewings as Sur Wilfred Roberts QC for the defence and Nick Sampson as Mr Myers QC for the prosecution played their parts to perfection. In fact all the cast members gave sterling performances and all bring the play alive and entirely living up to Mrs Christie’s script.
I loved spending the evening watching this play and would recommend it as an excellent choice for a visit generally and particularly for fans of Agatha Christie. Literally a master piece of the genre!