The Verdict – Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

Writer: Barry Reed

Adaptor: Margaret May Hobbs

Director: Michael Lunney

What a treat to see a large cast deliver a somewhat old fashioned drama about a seemingly open and shut court case in which a powerful hospital establishment comes up against a washed up defence lawyer determined to seek justice for his client. Even if you’re not familiar with the famous film version starring Paul Newman, you just know at the outset that Frank Galvin, the heavy drinking, wise cracking, world weary main character is destined to win the case in a sensational gripping second half of the play that is mainly devoted to the courtroom. This is a world premiere production of Middle Ground Theatre Company and Margaret May Hobbs’s first stage adaptation of Barry Reed’s successful novel, and it is a resounding success.

Jason Merrells, accomplished stage and TV actor, plays the leading character with assurance and skill. He holds the audience throughout and is virtually on stage for the whole of the play’s two hours plus duration. His portrayal of the defence lawyer is both convincing and moving, and the audience want to applaud the verdict as much as the performance at the end. From his very first appearance in his office, right at the start, getting ready for the day ahead and as the audience are still settling down, to the triumphant conclusion, Merrells ensures that the audience are invested with Case No.108 of Debra Ann Doherty, a pregnant mother who is in hospital to deliver her third child and ends up in a vegetative state because of the wrong receipt of an anaesthesia.

In a large company, other actors deserving of mention are Vincent Pirillo as Moe Katz, Galvin’s partner, Nigel Barber as the defence attorney J. Edward Concannon, Richard Walsh both as Bishop Brophy and the Judge, Eldredge Sweeney and Reanne Farley as the “love interest” Donna St Laurent. In a minor but notable role Jason Wilson as Rexford Gilbert Towler MD deserves credit. But the entire cast are all accomplished and largely convincing (one or two slightly dodgy accents notwithstanding) and complement the action nicely. The set design is very effective – in the first half it is multi-purpose with different sections serving as Galvin’s office, Meehan’s Bar, the hospital ward, the defence firm’s boardroom and the Judge’s Chambers. In the second half the stage is transformed into a very authentic courtroom that looks and feels fantastic.

The Verdict comes from a long line of courtroom dramas all with a similar theme – that of the underdog winning through in the face of what appear insurmountable odds. These include A Few Good Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, Twelve Angry Men, The Crucible and countless Agatha Christies. Everyone loves to see the tables overturned whether it be in a sporting context or the courtroom and this play offers a cracking evening’s entertainment as all of us become the collective jury.

Runs until 1st July 2023.