Hen and Chickens Theatre – until October 3rd 2026
Reviewed by Mike Linane
4****
Conflict of Interest is a character driven legal drama that is full of twists and turns and surprising revelations. It is written and produced by and stars Thomas Carruthers who also, for short measure, also is the sound designer.
It tells the story of Arthur Carmichael and Mitchell Hargrieve who run one of the most successful law practices in Philadelphia; however, when they take on the shocking case of Rita Lempkin, who openly admits that she murdered her real-estate mogul husband, Ralph, things grow tense. Complications grow further with the similarities the Lempkin case shares with that of Lucy Balsam, who nine years ago Arthur got off when accused of murdering her own father. Lucy then went on to become Mrs Carmichael. Also in the office is Talia Cooper, a young intern, who is being put at odds as a pawn in the endless power struggle shared by Arthur and Mitch.
This is not your normal, everyday type of legal drama. It is so much more than that. It is an exploration of five people who come together because a murder trial is impending and it shows how they all go about preparing for what is to come and the effect is has on their personal lives.
These are all complex characters who have their own flaws as well as their own redeeming qualities and Carruthers’ script is full of depth that gradually meanders from one character to another to show not only their surface and superficial good sides but also takes us beneath their skins to show us what they are really like when things get tough and it is every man for themself.
The cast of Thomas Carruthers, William Leggetter, Rhian Holmes, Amy Cash and Maeve-Anne Allen play their roles to perfection. There isn’t a weak link amongst them. They each get their time to shine in the spotlight and show what they are capable of.
Jazz Sewsanker’s direction is tight and the drama and tension never lets up and there are so many twists in the plot that we never know quite where the story is going to end up. It certainly didn’t end where I thought it was headed.
This is a compelling play that deserves a bigger audience and hopefully it will get picked up and re-staged again sometime in the future.
Spoiler alert: It does contain adult themes and some adult language so maybe not suitable to take your maiden aunt to see.