Witness for the Prosecution - Altrincham Garrick

MOST of us can’t resist a good courtroom drama, the chance to play detective, safe in the knowledge that any decision we make won’t impact at all in real life.

It’s remarkable just how fresh Witness for the Prosecution sounds, when you take into consideration this Agatha Christie masterpiece premiered in London some 70 years ago. Even if some of the social attitudes on display here deserve no place in a modern and supposedly civilised society.

Mike Shaw’s production is so utterly engrossing the audience’s attention is held in a vice like grip throughout and the first act, which is 90 minutes long, positively flies by.

The man in the dock is Leonard Vole, a genteel character who comes across like an old school clergyman rather than a killer. But he stands accused of murdering a wealthy woman and seems to have all the motivation he needed to carry out the dirty deed.

Tom Broughton’s performance as Vole is of a professional standard and you can’t help feel sorry for him as his horrendous wife Romaine destroys his alibi much to his disgust and disbelief as he faces the possibility of the death penalty if he’s found guilty.

Antonia Whitehead is perfect as the spouse from hell.

Defending Vole is Sir Wilfred Robarts, an old school, charismatic QC brought to life so engagingly by the ever watchable Jonathan Black.

Shaw and Barry Purves have pooled their creative talents to create an authentic courtroom set and Garrick stalwart Geoff Holman provides some much needed light relief as the Judge, with some humorous interruptions to some very serious proceedings.

And then there’s the twist at the end, a twist you’re certain not to see coming unless you’ve seen the film or the play itself.

Highly recommended.

Until May 27. Star rating - ****

Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Photo by Martin Ogden.