ROUGH JUSTICE (Tom Kinninmont Production)
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| Tom Conti with Elizabeth Payne as prosecuting counsel |
A gripping moral dilemma is presented in Terence Frisby’s
brilliantly written, courtroom drama, Rough Justice. Tom Conti stars in the
role of the accused, James Highwood, a public figure who has admitted to
killing his infant son. He has decided to defend himself on a plea of
manslaughter instead of murder and as the story evolves we, the jury, are
encouraged to challenge the law and British legal system. The premise of this
play is an excellent one but it is flawed in the fact that the audience, who
are integrated into proceedings, are privy to information imparted outside of
the courtroom, meaning that the ‘jury’ are not making a judgement on the facts
presented to them but the actual facts of the case, which are ultimately
conflicting. Therefore the post-show ‘chat’ is irrelevant and actually
unnecessary. This however, doesn’t spoil the enjoyment of the production.
Conti is suitably arrogant as the TV journalist, accused of
the heinous crime, and gives an epic performance, although there is no need for
him to play for laughs, as he does on occasion, when the script so cleverly does
that, relieving high tension with vital humour. Royce Mills is suitably pompous
as the judge but his performance is unfortunately marred but his dependence on
whatever is on top of his desk that prevents him from addressing anyone for any
length of time, a technique that considerably diminished the climatic ending.
Carol Starks gives an honest and endearing performance as the accused’s wife
and David Michaels is brilliant as their, slightly awkward, legal
representative, while Simon Murray, Mary Lincoln and Shaun Morton give perfect
cameos as expert witnesses. The greatest accolade, however, must go to
Elizabeth Payne for her stunning portrayal of the prosecuting counsel. This is
an incredibly wordy play and she never errs once in her delivery, keeping the
pressure on, as her role demands, throughout the entire play, giving a truly
magnificent performance.
The subject matter of this production is fascinating and interestingly
challenges the current legal system and the ethical and moral view on mercy
killing and euthanasia. Rough Justice is an enthralling and engaging drama that is
well worth seeing.
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