Witness for the Prosecution (West End) London Reviews and Tickets

85%

(131 Reviews)

Positive

94%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Clever, Absorbing, Entertaining, Great acting, Great staging

About the Show

A revival production of Agatha Christie's intense courtroom drama.

A theatrical courtroom experience set inside the grand surroundings of London County Hall.

Leonard Vole is arrested and accused of murdering Emily French, a wealthy widow. Suspicion arises when it is revealed that Miss French named Leonard as her primary heir. Leonard's wife agrees to provide her testimony but in a surprise twist, she does not testify in Leonard's defence but as a witness for the prosecution.

Acclaimed playwright Agatha Christie ('The Mousetrap') is best known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections. Directed by Lucy Bailey ('Titus Andronicus').

Member Reviews (131)

Great writing, Great staging, Great acting, Entertaining, Clever

See it if you like classic shows done in amazingly perfect settings.Being in a real courtroom is a gimmick, but it works.Makes it more powerful.

Don't see it if you aren't a fan of Christie (and how can you be a human being and not love her work?).Acting and staging are brilliant. What a treat.

Great staging, Intelligent

See it if you want a unique theatrical experience in a setting tailor made for this kind of show.

Don't see it if you’re more interested in the play than the experience. Setting is wonderful but it can’t completely carry this mediocre whodunnit.

Great acting, Clever, Ambitious

See it if The courtroom staging makes this rendition a necessity in my opinion. If you love a thriller, this is for you.

Don't see it if Parts can feel borderline procedural; if you aren't drawn to those, the show may lose you

Great acting, Absorbing, Intelligent

See it if wonderfully done in a unique space

Don't see it if who done its are not interesting to you.

Thought-provoking, Great writing, Great staging, Great acting, Entertaining

See it if you like a mystery

Don't see it if you don't like old fashion mystery

Stereotypical characters, The most perfect venue!, Great cast!, Light suspense/tension, Dated

See it if you like watching whodunnits. Courtroom murder drama Unpredictable & keeps you guessing. The venue is impressive.

Don't see it if 1950s old fashioned UK court dramas are not your preferred choice of theatre.

Great writing, Riveting, Intelligent, Great staging, Entertaining

See it if You are a fan of crime, mystery and courtroom dramas

Don't see it if you are expecting a traditional theatre setting

Great staging, Great acting, Exquisite, Clever, Absorbing

See it if You like theatre which is a bit more immersive. And you like a murder mystery with plenty of twists.

Don't see it if You want a fun uplifting story. Read more

Critic Reviews (4)

The debating chamber of the old Greater London Council ... lends a genuine touch of majesty to proceedings ... One acid glance from [barrister, Mr Myers] would be enough to make most witnesses crumple.
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Director Lucy Bailey wrings every possibility from the uniquely atmospheric space. She does, however, sometimes overplay her hand, adding starkly obvious, sudden shifts ... to underline ’significant moments’. This juicy Witness looks set to be giving evidence for a long time.
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The climax ... is action-packed but left me rather cold. It feels like an almost pantomimic finale to what is until then a slow-burning thriller ... for all this one's beauty, it's a pity there isn't a little more grit.
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This serpentine classic is perfectly placed in every sense. Verdict: Guilty of providing gripping entertainment. Sentence: Probably several more years.
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Trailer

Creative team