The worldwide appeal of Agatha Christie – or the “Queen of Crime”, as she is known – cannot be disputed. Not only is she listed in the Guinness World Records as the best-selling novelist of all time but it is claimed that she is outsold only by The Bible and Shakespeare’s Complete Works. Her literary output is prolific – indeed, Christie’s creations of Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and amateur sleuth Miss Marple are global sensations – and her novels have been translated in well over a hundred languages.
However, nothing can prepare you for the experience of ‘Witness for the Prosecution’, Christie’s stage version of her short story which concerns a scandalous murder trial as it unfolds in the QC’s chambers and at The Old Bailey. This would be tense enough with any staging but Theatre Mill’s immersive, site-specific production at the York Guildhall Council Chambers plunges us into the harsh, steely surroundings of the courtroom and from the very first minute Helen Buchanan’s gloriously ditzy maid explodes into a rather unexpected dance routine, the pace and power never let up for a second. The beautiful ornate quality of the chambers themselves are complimented by an exquisite lighting design and inventive in-the-round staging, and so involved are the audience, one feels personally part of proceedings throughout (indeed, spectators make up the Jury, the Gallery, and the Judge’s Circle).
So, what of the story itself? It tells of Leonard Vole, a young man accused of murdering an old woman with whom he has struck up an unusually close relationship. Desperate to prove his innocence, Vole assembles the dynamic legal team of solicitor Mr. Mayhew and one of the leading barristers, Sir Wilfrid Robarts, Q.C to defend him in court. However, there is a witness for the prosecution who seems hellbent on putting Vole behind bars and events quickly spiral out of control. The usual Christie traits arrive thick and fast: sharp, quickfire dialogue, tinges of wry humour, well-observed character studies, and more twists and turns than a corkscrew. And the production lives up to all expectations.
Director Samuel Wood has assembled a first-rate cast, with every actor finding time to shine. However, Rachel Logan makes a huge impact as a deliciously devious wife, Clive Moore impresses as the slippery prosecuting QC, and Pam Hilton brings the house down as a Scottish battleaxe bewildered by court protocol. And then there’s the outstanding double act of David Bowen and Adam Elms as the barnstorming Robarts and the shrewd, stern Mayhew, two exquisitely detailed and charismatic performances.
Your experience will begin at the door. There are staff in period dress, official annoucements from the Clerk, fifties’ swing music, and souvenir programmes. The attention to detail marks this company out as one to watch and a gem in York’s crown. I cannot recommend this production enough, one I am certain Christie would have loved, and given that it only has a three-week run, you should book immediately. It would be a crime to miss it.
RATING: *****
Jonathan Lavery.
WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION RUNS UNTIL APRIL 20TH AT YORK GUILDHALL. FOR TICKETS GO TO ‘THEATRE MILL’ OR YORK THEATRE ROYAL WEBSITES.