Now in its seventh year of performances, Witness for the Prosecution is a theatrical murder mystery masterpiece that has captured the imagination of thousands. More popular than ever (with almost every show selling out), it gives audiences the unique and rare experience to step inside the historic and majestic London County Hall in the heart of the capital on Southbank. Designed by Ralph Knott, County Hall was officially opened just over 100 years ago by King George V in July 1922 after construction began prior to the First World War in 1911, and for 64 years it served as the headquarters of local government for London. Imposing, austere and grand, it’s the perfect setting for the legal theatrics of Agatha Christie’s forensically precise plotting. Some audience members are even addressed as the jury, making it a fully immersive experience.
Christie, the undisputed Queen of Crime, adapted her own short story, Traitor Hands into this gripping play in 1953. The story revolves around a young man named Leonard Vole who is arrested following the murder of a wealthy older woman, Emily French, who he had recently befriended, and who has left Vole everything in her will.
The drama centers on Leonard’s trial in which his life hangs in the balance: if he’s found guilty, he’ll face the gallows. Everything rests on the testimony of his glamorous and mysterious wife Romaine – but will she support him, and what really happened? The audience is invited to join the detectives and lawyers in trying to elucidate the truth at the heart of this fiendish puzzle.
Director Lucy Bailey (whose numerous shows include work for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe, and English National Opera) rivetingly places the audience in the thick of the action as Christie’s enthralling tale of justice, passion, and betrayal unfolds around them. The vicissitudes of the case are played out in a strikingly realistic courtroom setting as the prosecution battles the defense and witnesses take the stand to deliver their testimonies. Thanks to the atmospheric setting of The Chamber at London County Hall, members of the audience feel as though they are really on trial in The Old Bailey with Leonard. The audience sits on wooden benches (or on seats in the jury box), becoming part of this immersive courtroom drama – and playing a key role in judging the man on trial. It’s particularly exciting sitting in the jury box, but the views are great from both the stalls and the galleries too.
Witness for the Prosecution is a rich period drama with plenty of great roles for its ensemble – from Leonard Vole and the lead lawyers through to colorful supporting parts. The London cast currently features George Jones (The Mousetrap) as Leonard Vole, Meghan Treadaway (Cinderella) as Vole’s wife Romaine, Oliver Boot (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) as Sir Wilfrid Robarts QC, David Killick (The Crown) as Mr Justice Wainwright, and Veronica Roberts (The Habit of Art) as Emily French’s housekeeper, Janet Mckenzie.
This innovative, deliciously enjoyable production, which received Best Revival nominations at the 2018 Olivier and WhatsOnStage Awards uniquely gives the audience the chance to pit their wits against arguably the greatest crime writer of all time. Can you figure out whodunit?
Witness for the Prosecution is 2hr 30, including an interval and is currently booking to September 30, 2025.
The age recommendation for Witness for the Prosecution is 10+. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
For tickets, please visit: witnesscountyhall.com
