Witness For The Prosecution
Sutton Arts Theatre
Tuesday 9th September 2025 (Dress Rehearsal)
By : Nigel Gambles
Photography by : Studio 55 Photography
As I entered the auditorium this evening to take my place for Agatha Christie’s courtroom suspense drama, ‘Witness For The Prosecution’, I was greeted by an open set on stage. A courtroom, wooden benches for the defendant, barristers, etc, and a higher, central one for the judge. It looked both authentic and theatrical.
The play opened with three characters walking on to stage in darkness. A fight ensues and the lights come up revealing two policemen and one individual being dragged off stage as the stage empties a hangman’s noose dropped from the gantry somewhat setting the scene.
As with all shows I have seen at Sutton Arts the stage has to transform from one set to another thus creating gaps of darkness although these are shot and kept to a minimum.
Sir Wilfred Roberts QC played by Dan Payne Mr Mayhew played by Patrick Rayson both gave grounded and credible performances as members of the bar. I have to say that my contact with such personages has been very infrequent fortunately, but they both presented the stereotype to perfection. The same can also be said of Geoff Holman as Judge Justice Wainwright played by Andrew Tomlinson and Stewart Mathers as Mr. Myers QC. played by Alan Groucott
The accused, Leonard Vole played by Kieran Jenkins, was totally convincing and (without giving too much away), his tiny but excellently measured character change towards the end was superb. A very personable actor, and hit the nail on the head with this role. His wife, the “foreign” Romaine Vole was played with stylish arrogance, and given just the right amount of superciliousness by Laura Hinton.
l have to mention Greta played by Keyleigh Alison the over enthusiastic and starstruck assistant to Sir Wilfred lightheaded but confident and obviously self assured, who cant seem to find anything wrong with someone being accused of murder, perfectly played.
However, the acting and following direction, was far from “amdram”. Director Dexter Whitehead had worked well in creating the correct feel to this story, building the whodunnit element with skill. The first act was a little slow at times, but the characterisations were solid, realistic, and believable. The second act was swifter and more engaging, and I certainly had not guessed the entirety of the clever denouement.
This was a very strong ensemble cast and they all worked well to bring about this dramatic and very wordy script. I admit to never having seen the stage play before, and to not remembering the film, which I watched when too young to appreciate it. So, tonight I was watching the plot unravel for the first time, and it was quite fascinating.
Overall however, a sturdy and gripping piece of whodunnit theatre, performed by a strong and talented group, keeping one engaged and guessing right to the end [that is, if you don’t already know the story!].
