Everything you need to know about 'Witness for the Prosecution'

All rise for the Agatha Christie thriller, playing at the former London County Hall. Read on for a few clues on what to expect from this courtroom drama.

Julia Rank1 January, 2025, 00:00

One of Agatha Christie’s most ingenious stories, Witness for the Prosecution has been playing in London since October 2017. The thriller is performed in the Council Chamber of the former London County Hall and there couldn’t be a more perfect setting for a courtroom drama with life-or-death stakes (unless it was the actual Old Bailey, of course!). We wouldn’t want to give too much away, but here are a few clues about what you can expect.

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What is Witness for the Prosecution about?

Witness for the Prosecution is about young man called Leonard Vole, on trial for the murder of the wealthy widow who has left him everything in her will. That’s all we’ll say for now!

Who wrote Witness for the Prosecution?

The "Queen of Crime" herself: Dame Agatha Christie. It was originally conceived as a short story published in Flynn’s, a weekly detective fiction journal. The original title was Traitor’s Hands. The story was republished as Witness for the Prosecution in the 1933 short story collection The Hounds of Death. It was adapted for the stage in 1953 by Christie herself, and this version is performed here.

What is the history of Witness for the Prosecution on stage and screen?

Witness for the Prosecution made its West End debut at the Winter Garden Theatre (now the Gillian Lynne Theatre) in 1953. The play transferred to Broadway the following year. In 1958, a film version based on the play was directed by Billy Wilder starring a cantankerous Charles Laughton as Sir Wilfrid Robarts QC, Marlene Dietrich as Christine (Romaine in the stage version), Tyrone Power as Leonard Vole, and Elsa Lanchester as Sir Wilfrid's nurse, Miss Plimsoll (a character added for the film). The film was nominated for six Academy Awards.

A 1982 made-for-television remake featured Ralph Richardson and Deborah Kerr and a new adaptation by Sarah Phelps starring Billy Howle, Andrea Riseborough, and Kim Cattrall was shown on the BBC over Christmas 2016.

When is Witness for the Prosecution playing?

Witness for the Prosecution plays from Tuesday to Sunday with performances at 7:30pm from Tuesday to Saturday and matinee performances on Thursday and Saturday (2:30pm) and Sunday (3pm). The show is currently booking until 28 September 2025.

Where is Witness for the Prosecution playing?

Witness for the Prosecution is playing at London County Hall, located on the South Bank. The Grade II listed building was opened by King George V in 1922 and for 64 years served as the headquarters of London County Council (LCC) - later the Greater London Council (GLC), the local government for London. Margaret Thatcher’s government abolished the GLC in 1986. The show takes place in the former Council Chamber, which is wonderfully atmospheric.

How long is Witness for the Prosecution?

Witness for the Prosecution is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, including a 20-minute interval.

Does Witness for the Prosecution involve audience participation?

The setting is immersive but audience members are not required to participate, though audience members in the “Jury” seats do have the opportunity to decide Leonard Vole’s fate.

Who are the characters in Witness for the Prosecution?

Witness for the Prosecution includes the following cast of characters:

Leonard Vole: the accused, on trial for murder
Romaine Vole: Leonard's wife
Sir Wilfrid Robarts QC: Vole’s defence barrister
Janet Mackenzie: the victim’s housekeeper
Inspector Hearne: who investigates the crime
Mr Myers QC: Sir Wilfrid’s opponent
Judge, Clerks, Stenographers, Warders, Court Officers et al

Who are the actors in Witness for the Prosecution?

Currently, Ben Galvin (EastEnders) makes his London theatre debut as Leonard Vole, opposite Isabel Della-Porta (Boeing Boeing) as Romaine, and Dugald Bruce-Lockhart (Private Lives) as Sir Wilfrid Robarts. The cast also includes Nicky Goldie as Janet, Harry Gostelow as Inspector Hearne, and Michael Cochrane as the Judge.

Who is in Witness for the Prosecution’s creative team?

Witness for the Prosecution is directed by Lucy Bailey. The founder and former artistic director of The Print Room in Notting Hill (now the Coronet Theatre), Bailey has worked extensively in London, regionally, and internationally as a director of theatre and opera. Her production of Christie’s And Then There Were None recently toured the UK. The production is designed by seven-time Olivier and BAFTA winner William Dudley. Lighting is by Chris Davey (The Car Man) and sound by Mic Pool (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel).

What are some fun facts about Witness for the Prosecution?

Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time and she also had a remarkable career as a dramatist. The Mousetrap, as many will know, is the longest-running show in West End history. In addition to her thrillers, Christie also wrote several well-received family dramas for the stage. To date, she is the only female playwright to have three plays running simultaneously in the West End.
Secrecy is paramount. When making the film, Billy Wilder didn’t allow the actors to view the final ten pages of the script until it was time to shoot those scenes (you’ll see why!). One of the posters advertising the film read: "You'll talk about it! - but please don't tell the ending!"
The short story, play, film, and miniseries all have different twists and denouements. Why not check them all out to decide what you think works best? The jury’s out!