Set in New York on a stiflingly hot day the twelve, all white, all male, jurors have to decide whether a 16-year-old black boy who fatally stabbed his violent father is guilty of murder.
It seems to be a open and shut case, that is until Juror No 8 (throughout the play the characters are only referred to as numbers we never know their names) throws a spanner in the works with his ‘not guilty’ verdict.
Juror No 8 is puzzled by some of the evidence of the case and therefore comes to the conclusion there is ‘reasonable doubt’.
The powerful scenes that follow are compelling viewing as the jurors begin to re-visit their own demons and prejudices as Juror No 8 continues to sow the seeds of doubt.
Tom Conti, a well known face on british television and the big screen is the lead role and gives an excellent performance of a man standing his ground for what he believes to be fair.
Denis Lill’s Juror No 10 plays the obnoxious bigoted character superbly and Andrew Lancel’s Juror No 3 had me despising his spiteful nasty character who has big problems between himself and his son.
All the cast are strong and give exceptional performances.
The fast-moving script had me on the edge of my seat and kept the attention, and the tongue-in-cheek humour provides a little light entertainment in the otherwise heavy plot.
The period costumes are brilliant and the realistic set with revolving table which I never actually managed to see move did made me feel claustrophobic just sat in the audience!
There is even running water in the gents and a very realistic thunderstorm.
Tonight’s performance began 30 minutes late as there was a technical hiccup but it was well worth the wait.
In my opinion this is an exceptional piece of theatre showcasing a fabulous play.
I won’t spoil the ending because you really do want to go and see for yourself how the story unfolds.
12 Angry Men runs at The Lowry until Saturday 28 March. Book tickets or find out more online here
