Currently on at London’s former County Hall courthouse, Witness for the Prosecution was originally written by crime novelist Agatha Christie in 1925.
The audience can sit within the courtroom, either in the jury box, stalls or upper gallery, in the setting of the former council chamber, which has retained all of its original features since it opened in 1922.
The play tells the story of Leonard Vole (George Jones) who is on trial for murder and, as the story unfolds with its many twists and turns, you as the audience are left to decide if you think the accused is guilty or not.
The performance is cleverly executed and moves between feeling like a play, as the events leading up to the trial unfold, to the trial itself, which is set up to feel like a courtroom as the witnesses take to the dock.
The play, in true Agatha Christie style, is full of many twists and turns and has the audience guessing right up until the very end followed by a final shock revelation.
Meghan Treadway gives a wonderful performance as Romaine Vole, the swaggering, non-caring actor , wife of Leonard and antagonist of the play.
George Jones delivers a believable and caring performance as Leonard with his thick Cockney accent and honest persona.
Oliver Boot, who plays Sir Wilfrid Robarts QC, really spins the narrative of Roberts assuming the clever and knowledgable hero of the story, as he battles to save the defendant from the noose.
The play centres around the themes of female affection and devotion and explores the roles that a woman may play in a man’s life – mother, wife, carer, protector… and in some cases enemy.
The play is haunting, full of suspense and gripping, with its grand location this performance is well worth a visit for any Agatha Christie fan happening on London anytime soon.
Witness for the Prosecution is currently playing at the London County Hall until 30 March 2025 with tickets starting from £15.