Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 11th November 2023
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
5 *****
As a Bill Kenwright production this performance serves as a perfect tribute to the memory of the producer’s talent and contribution to theatre. At the Everyman theatre, the Chief Executive paid personal tribute to the contribution that Bill Kenwright made to his own introduction to the world of theatre. Written by Reginald Rose, it is a brilliant theatre production of the 1950s film known to many.
Set in a U.S. jury room, the plot winds its way through the deliberations of a jury faced with determining whether a young man should be sentenced to his own death following a murder. The entire performance centres around the obvious differences between twelve men and sub-conscious prejudice towards a young man accused of murder.
In a cast packed with talent and fame, Juror number 8 is played by Patrick Duffy in a considered and gentle performance of a man who is prepared to set himself apart from the crowd and start with a verdict of ‘not guilty’. Faced with eleven fellow jurors who are convinced of the defendant’s guilt and tempted by the prospect of a swift verdict, juror number 8 guides the jury through a near re-run of the courtroom evidence.
In many ways, the audience knows from the outset that changing attitudes will be a key aspect of the plot, but nobody can deny the power of each of the alternative perspectives on the ‘truth’. Piece by piece the evidence is re-framed; doubt is cast on the evidence presented in the courtroom as fact. Subtly, we are challenged to think about our views on stereotype and the value of a young, scarred life compared to that of a grown man and father. Deliberating whether an infirm man can dash to his front door in fifteen seconds becomes crucial to a young man’s future.
The power of this production lies in the simplicity of the jury room setting, attention to detail, thoughtful portrayal of jury service and its impact on justice. The entire cast deserve recognition for the lasting effect they have on their audience.