12 Angry Men - Review

Richmond Theatre, Richmond

****

Written by Reginald Rose

Directed by Christopher Haydon

The cast of 12 Angry Men

Catching up with the Bill Kenwright company’s touring production of 12 Angry Men proved an absolute delight. Reginald Rose’s classic yarn set in the jury room of a murder trial where with the death penalty awaiting a guilty verdict the life of the accused rests in the jurors’ hands, is done to perfection by an outstanding cast.

Jason Merrells takes up the role of Juror 8 - famously played by Henry Fonda in Sidney Lumet’s 1957 movie - kicking off proceedings as the sole Not Guilty voter amongst the 12. For those not familiar with the story, this review won’t spoil the outcome, suffice to say it’s a charming pot-boiler of a yarn that picks apart the trial’s evidence, drawing its dramatic strength through exposing the attitudes and prejudices of the titular dozen along the way.

Merrells is great but he’s well matched by Tristan Gemmill’s Juror 3, the play’s protagonist who is the most convinced that the accused should face the electric chair. There is brilliant supporting work too, notably from Michael Greco and Gary Webster, but it should be said that the entire cast, comprising a fair chunk of the cream of Britain’s acting talent pull off a terrific ensemble performance. Richmond Theatre was deservedly packed on the night of this review. Christopher Haydon has directed a brilliant evening’s entertainment which seen on the road, at regional theatre ticket prices, is brilliantly affordable too.

My verdict: Electrifying! Catch it if you can.

Runs until 10th February then continues on tour

Photo credit: Jack Merriman

The Bodyguard - 2013 Cast

Adelphi Theatre, London

****

Based on the Warner Bros. Film
Screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan
Book by Alexander Dinelaris
Directed by Thea Sharrock

Beverley Knight and Tristan Gemmill

A cast change is always a good excuse to be asked back to a show, so as Beverly Knight sets out her take on The Bodyguard’s Rachel Marron, the singer with fans to die for, we train our sights on the West End’s newest diva, in this blockbuster tribute to the Whitney Houston / Kevin Costner Oscar-nominated song fest.

Earlier comments on the show and its story can be found here. This new pairing of Knight with Tristan Gemmill as Frank Farmer, the hired gun who has her back, has some truly inspired moments. Knight opens the show with 'Queen of the Night' and goes on to simply own her stage. Knight the singer is spine-tinglingly sublime, though as her character’s feelings for Farmer dedevelop and she becomes increasingly torn between the safety of her family and her career, Knight the actress slightly loses impact and her underlying emotions seem to faulter. Early days mind you and these will no doubt strengthen over time.

Gemmill’s Frank oozes with masterful control from start to finish. From befriending Marron’s young and initially cynical son Fletcher (a cute and professional turn from Elliot Aubrey) early on, to charming the star in a karaoke bar, he avoids arrogance and defines Farmer’s virtue of a quiet understated presence that modestly belies his focussed mind and sharpened steeled backbone. Providing a tragically conflicting love interest, Debbie Kurup as Marron’s sister Nicki remains one of the Adelphi’s treats.

This juke box musical may still be one of the new kids on the block compared to some of its moneyspinning rivals, but it’s a gripping show that packs a punch. On this visit, one of the show’s truly thrilling high-spots made an audience member literally scream out in fright, a moment of pure theatrical gold. It may be a cheesy tale, but you already know the songs and you’ll love the performances. For a night that continues to be world-class West End excellence, The Bodyguard’s got it covered.


For tickets to The Bodyguard click here