Twelve Angry Men – The Alexandra

This gripping jury room drama arrives in Birmingham on a national tour. The production has spent time in the West End to great acclaim and brings the 1957 Academy Award Nominated film of the same name to the stage.

Following a three-day murder trial, the jury are sent to consider their verdict. Locked in a room, these 12 men from different backgrounds have the difficult task of considering the evidence to convict or acquit the accused. In a State where the death penalty is the sentence for this crime, the decision weighs hard on one man’s mind. Keen to discuss the case and not jump to the ‘obvious’ answer he raises the question of reasonable doubt, the debate begins, and tensions rise.

Every Juror (and the security guard) is wonderfully characterised and played with total conviction. From the quiet older men to the striding and intimating loud mouths, the portrayals are all constant and natural, making you feel like an uncomfortable fly on the wall of a real Jurors debate.

Each man has a history that fuels his personal verdict and brings their views and experience to the discussion. Tristan Gemmill’s Juror 3 is a passionate and driven man. While you inwardly cheer when he adds fuel to the fire of doubt, you feel for him when his motives are revealed. The contentious Juror 8 is played by Patrick Duffy, he is calm and almost timid at times, but yet determined to see justice done. In stark contrast you have Gray O’Brien’s (obnoxious juror 10), brash Juror 7 Michael Grecco and Mark Heenehan’s (Steady Juror 4) This is a high calibre and experienced cast with captivating and enthralling performances from the entire company.

This brilliantly crafted piece of theatre is a delight to watch. From the moment the lights go up on the jurors in the court room to the end when the final verdict is reached you are transported to 1950’s New York and a slightly dilapidated and hot jury room. The set captures the essence perfectly with a few key items of set dressing mainly the large table and 12 chairs. It manages to convey the confined and pressured atmosphere created by 12 people with differing opinions and values.

Not only is this an evening’s entertainment, but it also a thought-provoking drama. Do you take everything at face value, or should you delve a little deeper and just ask one more question? Is there more to evidence than meets the eye? Are your first opinions correct?

This is an outstanding production that should not be missed, it will stay in your memory for years to come.

Reviewer: Annette Nuttall

Reviewed: 30th October 2023

North West End UK Rating: