King's Lynn Players bring Jeffrey Archer's gripping courtroom drama The Accused to life at The Guildhall of St George

THEATRE REVIEW: The Accused by Jeffrey Archer

King's Lynn Players

Guildhall of St George

Jeffrey Archer's compelling courtroom drama The Accused has come to town, and Lynn Players have brought it to life on the Guildhall stage.

There was a sell-out crowd for the opening night on Thursday and those present were treated to an evening of wonderful entertainment as the famous author's work was projected brilliantly by a talented cast.

And what made the performance so special for all of us there was that we acted as jury. Yes, at the end of a long murder trial it was a show of hands from the audience which decided whether Dr Sherwood had murdered his wife or was an innocent man – with West Norfolk Mayor Lesley Bambridge standing up among the audience to deliver the verdict in her role as foreman of the jury.

The play then continued, and will throughout its run, with one of two different endings acted out before the truth is revealed.

Many of us watching were totally caught up in the reality of the proceedings and pondered carefully before deciding whether the talented doctor was a cold-hearted murderer or a loving husband and whether Nurse Mitchell was a woman wronged or a calculated and devious one who had been rejected and was seeking revenge.

Apart from a few minor pauses early on, lines were delivered perfectly which eased those watching into a real courtroom rather than a theatre, and there were some absolute stand out performances.

I've covered my fair share of crown court cases and I can honestly say Richard Abel was incredibly realistic as defence counsel Sir James Barrington QC, displaying all the intelligence and bombast of an Old Bailey barrister, while timing his few comic turns to great effect.

Ian Ding was also superb as Dr Sherwood, his assured performance in the witness box leaving us, the jury, never quite sure whether he was an innocent man or a lothario and killer.

Amberlee Marshall was taking part in her first production for a decade but shone as prosecutor Kersley QC, and her verbal sparring with the judge Justice Cartwright was spot on. Judges can be formidable towards counsel in courtrooms and Sky Carver had obviously done her homework before taking on this role.

Amanda Mason as Nurse Mitchell also gave a stellar performance, one that probably swayed the jury quite heavily in its decision making.

There were eight other stars on the night too, who were all assured and believable. Leslie Judd played the baliff, Cally Witt and Liam Baker the legal execs, Teresa Sayers as the court usher, Carol Storey as DCI Payne, Lorna Hutchinson as the pharmacist, Rebecca Pooley as Professor Forsyth and Paul Ketteridge as the porter Webster.

The show continues tonight (Friday, 7.30pm) and tomorrow (2.30pm and 7.30pm). To book, visit www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk/theatre/whats-on/theatre/the-accused/#tickets or call 01553 764864.