By James Inglis (Contributor) – Email
Date Posted: October 20, 2011
Print Edition: October 19, 2011
The Guinness Book of World Records lists Dame Agatha Christie as the world’s bestselling author with more than two billion copies of her books having been sold. In addition to her books and short stories, Christie authored 17 plays and her own favourite was Witness for the Prosecution. She wrote the play in less than three weeks, based on her short story of the same name. The play was originally produced in 1953. The original London run had 468 performances and Broadway ran 645. In 1957, success on the stage was followed by success on the screen in Billy Wilder’s film version starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton. Now, almost 60 years after the play’s debut, the Chilliwack Players Guild presents director Janet Carroll’s interpretation of the timeless classic Witness for the Prosecution at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
The Chilliwack Players Guild, an amateur, community theatre group, and producer Patti Lawn have attracted talented players on stage and in the wings for this production. The play, a court drama set in 1958 London revolves around the trial of Leonard Vole (Caleb Walde) who is accused of murdering spinster Emily French by bashing her over the head. Vole’s barrister, Sir Wilfred Robarts (Larry Hamm) fights to obtain an acquittal for his client, while Vole’s German wife, Christine Vole (Katy Lowe) tries her best to show she is a loving wife.
The play begins in Sir Wilfred’s chambers where he and solicitor John Mayhew (Ross Biondolillo) meet with Vole to discuss the situation. As the story unfolds, Vole is found to be the beneficiary of the victim’s estate. With this motive established he is soon arrested by Inspector Hearne (David Hobson) and taken away and the mystery begins.
All the action takes place in Sir Wilfred’s chambers and in a courtroom at the London Central Criminal Court – the “Old Bailey.” Set designer Graham Archer has done an outstanding job of creating these locations on stage. The transition between sets is amazing to watch as the stage transforms in just a few minutes. The director has made this shift part of the audience experience and the music selection as well as lighting designer Haley Smith’s effects during this activity provides a fitting sense of intrigue for the audience.
The play is full of all the twists and turns an audience should expect from a whodunit. Larry Hamm and Katy Lowe dominate the show with their powerful performances. Hamm’s demeanor and style are reminiscent of the great British character actor Edward Fox. Hamm’s portrayal of Sir Wilfred is restrained, classy and polished. He commands the stage during the course of the evening. Lowe’s portrayal of Christine Vole is masterful and it was hard not to think of Marlene Dietrich’s performance of the same role in the film, though Lowe definitely adds her own brand of spice to the part.
David Hobson, as Inspector Hearne, presents the quintessential Scotland Yard detective as portrayed in the books and movies of the 1950s. Pauline Horzelenberg, as Greta, certainly adds energy and light diversion whenever she is on stage. In the supporting cast, Janet Shield’s portrayal of housekeeper Janet MacKenzie is worthy of the price of admission alone. Students of theatre could learn a great deal by studying her performance.
There are very few misfires and they could easily be rectified. The sound level for some of the dialogue seemed to be slightly low. The director has made some choices in the production that at times do seem to detract from the seriousness of the play as originally written. Christie added comic relief to reduce the tension of the play, but unfortunately the director has interpreted this to the point where, in a few instances, it borders on slapstick. Another decision has a witness portrayed with a severe speech impediment. While it works in The King’s Speech, here it results in being more of a distraction than an enhancement to the play.
The Chilliwack Players Guild has created a fun production and the cast and crew provide a good night’s entertainment suitable for audiences of all ages. The play has three acts and lasts two hours and 45 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission. The play’s run concludes this week with performances at 7:30 p.m. on October 19, 20, 21 and 22. For tickets call 604-391-SHOW (7469) or buy online at their website.
