It’s always exciting to attend a murder trial.

Is it a murder? To be honest, when I first stepped into court I didn’t know. All I knew was that I was summoned for jury duty, with no background knowledge (because I didn’t really do my homework) on the back story. But that turned out to be a blessing, because you should always turn up at a trial without assumptions.

And I love a good crime.

Not the act of crime itself – but the discovery and investigation afterwards, the forensics, the questions and their empty answers.

Who did it?

Why?

Was it really them?

Wasn’t it?

But it’s not just about the story line

This week I’ve had the opportunity to attend a production of ‘Witness for the Prosecution‘ at London County Hall, an evening I thoroughly enjoyed. In full Agatha Christie style, the story keeps you guessing and chewing your nails until the very end.

Not all good stories are able to be turned into a great production. Just because a good murder has been written about doesn’t mean it’ll translate just as well on stage.

And that’s why I thought the ‘Witness of the Prosecution’ production at London County Hall was fantastic.

The story setting is mostly in court. On your ticket, you are told that you were summoned to court. On appearance, it seems just a sentence to fit in the theme of the story, the outline of what you would see.

But, when you step into the theatre at London County Hall you see why in this sense, it’s more than just a tag line.

The old assembly room at London County Hall was perfect to set up as court. While the play might have worked in any ordinary theatre, this circular court house seating gave the audience an illusion that they were part of the performance.

Police (actors) guarded the entrances, as they would have in a real court. The lawyers sat on the end of the rows with the audience and a number of audience members were able to volunteer to sit in the jury box and act as the jury of the trial.

It all seems so real.

And that’s why I love live productions

I don’t have the habit of turning on the TV. If it’s on, I’ll watch it. If not, I am not particularly fussed.

When bored, I’d rather read a book, flip through a magazine or go out for a walk/cycle/shop.

Except for Doctor Who. I will turn on the TV for the Doctor.

Anyway, my point is, TV feels static. It’s like staring at a poster of somewhere exotic without actually being there.

A live theatre or concert feels much more real, more immediate. You can respond to it and see it being responded back, and with a production like ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ in London, you feel involved.

Witness for the Prosecution

It’s a murder trial, a mystery. So I can’t even summarise the story for you. In a sentence, the play evolves around a young man who gets accused of killing an elderly woman who possessed a lot of money.

Whether he walks or gets the noose depended on the verdict.

So, from the beginning to the end, you watch these characters evolve. You see them panic, negotiate and eventually accept the consequences. I thought the stage set itself was especially clever and having actors among you certainly adds to the authentic atmosphere.

And if you don’t know the story already – you are seriously in for a gut twist at the end!

Here, have a taster

More info and ticketing: www.witnesscountyhall.com