REVIEW: Witness for the Prosecution at London County Hall

At the risk of going out on a limb, most homes will have an Agatha Christie novel buried in a cupboard. With masterful plotting and subtle clues dropping like well-timed grenades, there are few writers who can hold the attention as well. Christie’s style lends itself to stage productions where the narrative can be distilled into key scenes. ‘The Mousetrap’ remains the world’s longest-running play. Every tourist has the show on their ‘to do’ list such is the author’s enduring appeal. Witness for the Prosecution was adapted from a short story by Christie and looks set to join the ‘appointment theatre’ club. Originally staged in 1953 it was eclipsed by the Billy Wilder directed big-screen version. Released four years later the film became a classic featuring Hollywood icons including Charles Laughton, Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power. 

County Hall is a magnificent building on London’s South Bank and was formerly home to the Greater London Council. Designed by Ralph Knott in the Edwardian Baroque style, a beautiful chamber emerges as the play’s setting. With an ornate finish in wood and marble, it becomes a perfect stand-in for Court no.1 at the Old Bailey. A subtle, haunting soundtrack kicks in as the lights dim and the story gently unfolds.

Pocket Picks: Best Shows of 2021

Here at Pocket Size Theatre, we are lucky enough to see some wonderful shows; some entertaining, some mindblowing, some beautiful and even some life-changing. We've accumulated a list of our top-rated shows from 2021, what a year it's been! Take a look at our list and start thinking of your theatrical highlights and share them with us on Twitter! @PocketSizeBlog

A quick note, even though these are our top shows of the year, we applaud and would like to congratulate every single person involved in putting on ANY show this year. It's been another tough year for our industry and anyone who provides entertainment and live theatre is a hero. You're amazing! 

SIX at the Vaudeville Theatre ★★★★★

"Carrie-Anne Ingrouille’s choreography is slick and on and there are no words for how marvellous Gabriella Slade’s out of this world costumes are. The musical is aimed at a younger audience; with bright lights, confetti, glittery outfits and modern references- which makes you feel like you’re seeing a girl band live rather than sat in a history lesson. The best of both worlds! The Queens are sarcastic and feisty in their comic delivery, and SIX has that kind of self-awareness that holds onto the element of intimacy that I would imagine wowed the very first audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe 4 years ago."

Click here to read the full review

Magic Goes Wrong at the Apollo Theatre ★★★★★

"They have the perfect recipe to appeal to and entertain any member of the public. I think you would be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t smile at least once throughout a Mischief Comedy production. If you are looking to escape the challenges of reality for a few hours, then rush to buy a ticket for this show. Treat yourself to an evening of truly joyous tomfoolery and talent; I can assure you; you won’t regret this magical treat!"

Click here to read the full review 

REVIEW: Witness for the Prosecution at the London County Hall

The show truly begins as you enter the building. Walking into the London County Hall, you are immediately transported back in time to the early 1900s as you are immersed in the courtroom surrounded by judges and clerks. Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution - first published in 1925- has been playing at the County Hall for the last five years, but the show has not fatigued in the slightest.

Originally written as a sketch, the play is your typical murder mystery with the formalities of taking place in an old courtroom with a ‘jury’ of audience members. Young Vole (Joe Mcnamara) has been accused of murdering an older lady, Emily French, he claimed to take a fondness of. Although seemingly charming and innocent, the odds are stacked against him as we discover he has the incentive to take on her fortune and his leather-clad German wife, Romaine (Emer Mcdaid) denies his alibi. The case seems overwhelming against him, and the plot thickens as the play goes on 

REVIEW: Witness for the Prosecution at London's County Hall

We seem to be going back in time. Well, that’s certainly how I felt after leaving Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution last night, which is currently being revived for the first time in London’s West End since 1953. Director Lucy Bailey is now summoning a new generation of audiences for jury service in the unique courtroom chamber setting of London’s County Hall in an immersive, and wildly imaginative adaptation of Christie’s play.

Based on a 1925 short story and screen adaptations, Christie’s play is arguably one of her most ingenious and timeless works. With the evidence stacked completely against him, Leonard Vole faces the hangman’s noose after being accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth. But will he be able to defend himself and prove his innocence against shocking witness testimony’s and his own wife?

7 Off-West End shows you need to see that are on right now!

Hair at the Vaults 

Hair is celebrating its 50th Year with this London production, transferring from the Hope Mill Theatre it runs at the Vaults until the 13th January. 

Mad on Her at Above The Arts Theatre 

This Cheesy 80's musical is fresh and the most fun you'll have. Another musical to have played the Hope Mill Theatre, it plays at the Above The Arts Theatre and you still have time to catch it. It plays on the 19th (4pm and 7.30pm) & 26th (6pm and 8.30pm) November and 3rd December (4pm and 7.30pm). 

Best shows to go to this Halloween

The Woman in Black 

One of the classic London thrillers, now in its 25th year and having been seen by over 7 million people this is a must see over the Halloween period. Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story is brought to dramatic life in Stephen Mallatratt’s ingenious stage adaptation. Robin Herford’s gripping production is a brilliantly successful study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror.

Click here for tickets and save up to £15!

Read our ★★★★ review here 

The Exorcist 

This new addition to the West End is sure to give you some chills down your spine. Considered the scariest movie of all time, the film adaptation of The Exorcist sparked unprecedented worldwide controversy when it was released in cinemas in 1973. Forty-five years after William Peter Blatty’s best-selling novel terrified an entire generation, The Exorcist is unleashed onto the West End stage for the very first time in a uniquely theatrical experience directed by award winning film and theatre Director Sean Mathias.

Click here for tickets from just £18!