Edinburgh Evening News
Published Date: 08 August 2011
Silence In Court *****
New Town Theatre, George Street
AS drama goes, this is a unique concept. An interactive legal case in which the audience find themselves in what looks and feels exactly like the austere halls of a courtroom.
From the moment the Court Usher directs the room to "All stand", any preconceptions of light entertainment are gone. This feels real. And for those audience members selected to sit in the jury box, this is as authentic as it gets.
New Town Theatre, George Street
AS drama goes, this is a unique concept. An interactive legal case in which the audience find themselves in what looks and feels exactly like the austere halls of a courtroom.
From the moment the Court Usher directs the room to "All stand", any preconceptions of light entertainment are gone. This feels real. And for those audience members selected to sit in the jury box, this is as authentic as it gets.
In an unconventional twist, jury members are allowed to question the accused and the accuser, which leads to lively debate and high passion. The level of emotional commitment could be gauged by the gasps and calls from the "Public Gallery" as the trial came to its remarkable climax.
The cast in this gem deliver a dazzling production. Their combination of skill and delivery is such that the audience quickly forget that this is only fictional drama, and immerse themselves in the task of sorting truth from lie.
This is a riveting show that grabs the audience's emotions and hauls them to their feet as the verdict is announced.
Run ends August 28 (not 16)
