Outstanding take on 12 Angry Men

Twelve Angry Men Theatre Royal, Windsor This excellent production of Twelve Angry men, seems as relevant today, as it was, when first staged, in the 1950s. Bitter men, driven to anger and bigotry by their own life experiences. (Women served on juries in the 1950s but could ask to be excused, which many did. It was only in later years that serving became obligatory for women.) The contemporary touch comes with a character like Juror 10, played by Tristan Gemmill, who bears more than a passing resemblance to the disempowered, angry supporters of Reform today. Though, notably even this character does find some redemption in the end. The whole idea of Twelve Angry Men sprang from writer Reginald Rose's experience of serving on a jury. A simple idea transformed into a great drama, made famous initially in the film adaptation, starring Henry Fonda. Recognised as one of Fonda's greatest performances, his role as Juror 8 is played excellently by Gray O'Brien in this production He is the lightening conductor, come defence lawyer in the jury room. Dressed in a virtuoso white suit, there is very little detail of the background of the character. Nemesis, Juror 3 (Bill Ward) makes fun, likening him at one point to renowned US defence lawyer Clarence Darrow. The whole drama takes place in the jury room, the characters circling the table, breaking off for regular visits to the water cooler. The case is the alleged murder of a father by his teenage son. It is testimony to how good the interaction and dialogue between the characters is that it keeps you engaged for the whole two hours 20 minutes. The play remains as evident today as it was 70 years ago. Those who have served on a jury will recognise many of the characters. The ones who have made up their mind from the start (11 at the beginning), then, those willing to listen and change their minds in the face of reason. Finally, those who just want it over as quickly as possible, not really bothered by the result. A nuance that could be added today would be a difference between employed and self employed jury members, the latter, often having a greater tendency to want to get away. The play is a celebration of the jury system, highlighting exactly why it is so important to maintain. It also highlights both the best and worst of human nature, with ofcourse reason and virtue coming out as the winners. In all,there are excellent performances across this production.Bill Ward is particularly outstanding as the raging Juror 3. The piece is well directed by Christopher Hayden, who brings a seamless flow to the production. He also kindles the contemporary feel to a play that is timeless in so many ways. An excellent production, raising many important issues. Well worth seeing. Runs at Theatre Royal Windsor till 12 September, Aberdeen from 15 September.Tours till 24 October.