Christie's tale at home in courtroom setting

It is not unusual for a play to feature a courtroom scene, but it is very uncommon for one to be performed entirely within a courtroom. Witness for the Prosecution is such a play, and is being performed to great acclaim within the Council Chamber at London's County Hall.

Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, County Hall was the headquarters of London's local government – the Greater London Council – until 1986, when the UK central government abolished it.

Witness for the Prosecution, which was written by world-renowned British detective fiction writer Agatha Christie, was adapted from her short story Traitor Hands. The story was first published in 1925.

Theater producer Peter Saunders then came up with the idea of further adapting it for the stage by turning it into a courtroom drama. Court proceedings had only been mentioned very briefly in the original narrative, according to the introduction in the play's program.

Rebecca Stafford, producer of Witness for the Prosecution, said the play's venue has become a particular highlight.

"It's the only place in the country where this play could be performed for an extended period of time as a true courtroom drama, and it has proved to be so successful that this October will mark six years in the venue," said Stafford.

"For many in the audience, simply being in the atmospheric space is an experience in itself. The audience is fully transported into the courtroom action."

The play received its West End premiere at the Winter Garden theater in 1953 and was a huge hit. It then opened on Broadway the following year successfully.

In the play, Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a rich widow in an attempt to inherit her wealth. Lawyers Sir Wilfrid Robarts and Mr Myers then cross words in an intense battle of wits, as several witnesses present their testimony. And 12 audience members get to sit on the jury, in the thick of the action.

Stafford said the original short story, and subsequent theatrical adaptation, clearly showcase Christie's fascination with truth and lies, and the psychology behind the criminal mind.

"It explores the way the justice system works in Britain, and questions the integrity of the legal process," Stafford said.

"Despite being set in another time period, Christie's story addresses the 'old boys' club', which arguably still operates within the courts today, placing the prejudices of the system under scrutiny. Audiences are immersed within the 1950s legal system, with all of its drama and high stakes."

According to Stafford, the biggest challenge with the production has been working within the parameters of a protected historic building because the chamber at County Hall is grade II-listed and any changes to it had to be meticulously planned.

"The results are certainly worth any restrictions, there is a sensitivity required. Something that you don't usually have to consider in a traditional theater is the backstage and green-room areas, but for this show we had to create it all from scratch."