by Anita Foxall.
The Verdict, Margaret May Hobb’s stage adaption currently at the Mayflower Theatre, takes you to a snowy Boston, where you will experience an intense courtroom drama.
This take on Barry Reed’s novel from 1980, which was then adapted to film by David Mamet, starring Paul Newman, in 1982, is a very compelling stage version.
Attorney Frank Galvin is on stage staggering to his office from the bar, while the audience are still noisily settling. The houselights go down and he is still in his office office, but now getting ready for the work day ahead, ensuring the alcohol can’t be smelt on his breath and trying his best to look professional. The case before him is career defining, a major medical negligence suit; a woman left in a persistent vegetative state after incorrect anaesthetics administered during childbirth. Galvin will have the gargantuan task of facing both the medical and Catholic institutions in court.
In the first half Galvin roams between his office and his local bar, preparing his case. There are magnificent dialogues, including one with the bishop heavily advocating ‘morality and legality’ without ever looking into his interlocutor’s eye, and one where the defence attorney states he is not telling his clients to lie, he is merely coaching them on ‘what to say and how to say it’.
In the second half we are in the courtroom, and we, the audience, are the jury.
I will not reveal anything further, as the plot deserves an attentive watch. But it is of importance to point out the magnificent sets: Galvin’s office and his local bar in the first half were more intimate, even if the actors moved between more sets; and in the second half the audience is presented with a majestic courtroom where all looks grandiose and intimidating.
Director and designer Michael Lunney completely captured the poignancy of this play, riveting the audience, who felt summoned to be the deciding jury.
Middle Ground Theatre Company gathered a wonderfully skilful cast for this play: Jason Merrells (Agatha Raison, Emmerdale, Waterloo Road) who plays Frank Galvin; American actor Nigel Barber plays defence attorney J Edgar Concannon; Richard Walsh, who plays both the Bishop and the Judge. This is just to name the main characters, but all cast contributed to making it an incredible show.
Lights and sound shouldn’t be forgotten either. They played a major role particularly in the first half: the Boston city sounds every time Galvin opens the office window, the dim evening lights over a Boston city view.
My verdict is: you must go see it.
- The Verdict is at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, until July 22. For tickets and more information, click here.
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