Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 22 July 2023
Reviewed by Gemma Gibson
5*****
Court has always been a popular backdrop in theatre – the danger, drama, suspense – and The Verdict is another remarkable production that has just got it right.
Based on the eighties classic, The Verdict is the latest court thriller performed by Middle Ground Theatre Company, taking you right into the heart and action of a serious court case.
When outcast lawyer and alcoholic Frank Galvin, played by Jason Merrells, takes on “the case of his career” – a medical malpractice that ruins the life of a young mother – everything is against him. Wanting to help the poor woman’s family and prove a hospital’s negligence, Frank rejects a $300,000 settlement and takes the complex case to court.
The first half of the show follows Frank building his case, with plenty of twists and secrets along the way. The stage is cleverly divided into Frank’s two resides – office and bar.
As the curtains raise for the second act it’s time for the trial, and the audience is transported to court. By far my favourite part. The audience becomes the jury which is just a brilliant way to deliver a court case. It feels like you are right there, experiencing emotions running high and the drama first-hand. Completely immersed in the story, I found myself wanting to cheer and boo along with what was going on, desperate to find out the jury’s decision.
The storyline is fast-paced, intense and gripping, complimented by an absolutely fantastic cast. While my feeling is some of the bigger twists are predictable, the way they come out and impact the story keeps the audience completely hooked, me included. Jason is brilliant as the cheeky and dangerously clever Mr Galvin. The character is completely natural to him, I can’t imagine anyone else playing the part.
Moe Katz (Vincent Pirillo), Frank’s mentor and partner in the case, is a wonderful part of the story, his love for Frank clear and involvement in the case crucial. Edgar Concannon (Nigel Barber) is excellent in his role representing the defence, a subtle but devilish demeanour revealing him the villain of the night. And Donna St Laurent (Reanne Farley), waitress at Frank’s local, is just exquisite as the female lead, quickly making an impression on Frank but with her own agenda.
If you enjoy the mystery and drama of a good court story, The Verdict is a must-watch.