An Opportunity to be a Spectator in a Murder Trial. Natasha Blair reports.

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Witness for the Prosecution is an absorbing play in a spectacular setting that promises twists and turns with a totally unexpected ending. The performance is staged in the Council Chamber of what was originally the headquarters of the London County Council, later the Greater London Council.

Audiences have the rare opportunity of sitting in what used to be the Council Chamber. The awe-inspiring staging needs no further props. The judge sits at the head of the chambers with the jury positioned to his left, with the audience in a semi circle before him. The ornate rooms have three sets of large pillars on a landing overlooking the main auditorium in which are rows of seats providing additional seating for the audience.

A lady has been found murdered in her Hampstead home. The production opens with a gallows scene which quickly reverts to the Chambers of a barrister. Leonard Vole is accused of murdering the widow to inherit her wealth. and is describing his version of how he met the victim to his solicitor and barrister, together with his movements on the night of the murder.

With the entrance of a judge in full regalia, the setting becomes a Court room with members of the audience, in two rows to the left of the judge, now the jury. The setting is how one would imagine a court room in session to be, and witnesses are called. The questioning provokes doubt as to whether the accused is in any way responsible. Concluding the trial, the foreman of the jury gives their verdict and the scene changes, where-upon the truth is revealed.

Based on the 1953 play by Agatha Christie, it was made into a film starring Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power in 1957, and received five Golden Globe nominations.

Edwardian County Hall was opened by King George V in July 1922 and is an impressive today as it was when originally built.

Witness for the Prosecution
County Hall, Belvedere Road,
London SE1 7GP

https://www.lovetovisit.com/uk-attractions/london-county-hall/POPPY123