Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial – The Brindley

Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial is a comedic, dramatic and true to the fact play all about the trial and tribulations of the well known and strange showdown between Coleen Rooney and Rebecca Vardy back in 2022. The story being brought to the stage so quickly demonstrates it’s bizarre yet gripping storyline.

You are greeted to a basic but effective set (Mike Hall) which clearly sets the scene for what is about to unfold. You are eager to see the witnesses take the stand as each of the characters roles are clearly defined by the staging even before they are introduced. A clever comedic effect added was the detail of having the court room separated by a football pitch to throw you into the match between the two characters. The staging was flipped in the interval to provide the audience with the opposing perspective.

Now enters the stars of our show, Coleen Rooney (Ria Hall) stoic, cool, calm and collected. All the attributes needed in a court case as opposed to her counterpart Rebekah Vardy (Charlotte Ashton), bare faced, brash, cheeky and not the sharpest tool in the box. Ashton gave perfect expressions as she enrages you watching her give her half baked excuses. Her physical theatre was brilliant and perfectly contrasted Halls more demour characteristics. The ladies were joined by their barristers Ms Tomlinson (Rosie Shields) who was strong in her convictions and used her voice well to intimidate and catch out Rooney. For Rooney’s defence we had Mr Sherborne (Mark Murphy) who was one of my favourite characters as his portrayal of Rooney’s barrister even had some of the audience questioning his day job, he was powerful, quick and hard hitting. A fierce character. Although verbally a much smaller role, but equally as important and needed to oversee the proceedings Justice Steyn (Jo Lee) who despite having limited dialogue was able to use physical theatre and expression to show her exasperation and emotions throughout.

These main characters were supported by

Pundit 1 and 2 (Jacob Grimes and Georgia Heyes) the commentators of the show, they really do keep the story moving. Both Grimes and Heyes jump between commentating and other supporting character roles within the courtroom effortlessly. No need to change any costumes, their acting ability, voice and style demonstrate clearly to the audience who they are portraying at any given moment. Boundless energy from Grimes and a more direct with a spicy kick from Heyes. A good duo.

Costumes (Lisa Connor) were simple yet very clear. No need for fussy changes. The ladies were styled to represent their opposing characters, the judges and the barristers were very stand out and clear from the moment they entered, and the pundits were identifiable but without being over powering. The legal characters costumes included the appropriate wear to distinguish them.

Lighting (Paul Street), visual (Jo Lee, Jessica Bridge, Clare Grimes and Danielle Segar) and sound (Beth Warburton and Jacob Grimes) were used well throughout the production. Sound sometimes could drown out the pundits, but this was opening night, and the actors are very bravely performing without microphones. The sound however, provided good background to what was happening and also represented the courtroom in its comparisons to the football pitch. Lighting was used effectively to change scenes and illuminate the focal characters. Visual was utilised extremely well to produce and bring to life the text messages, memes, pictures and media cuttings throughout the case. This was a great way to draw in the audience.

Overall, a fantastically funny and engaging performance by a small but very strong cast. This really is one not to be missed. Whether you followed the case closely in the press or whether you know very little, this production will still be a great evening out and by the end of it, I wonder, are you Team Rooney or Team Vardy? You will be pulled into the case, and I can guarantee you’ll go home talking about it. I listened to many audience members on their way out and could hear praise such as ‘a fantastic show’ and ‘what a great night’. Many audience members gave the cast a standing ovation. Very well deserved by cast and crew. Witty, joyous and the silliest of who dunnits, get yourself to the Brindley before it finishes. Definitely a production which debuting director Beth Warburton should be immensely proud of.

Reviewer: Sam James

Reviewed: 18th September 2025

North West End UK Rating: