Twelve Angry Men
Garrick Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 12th November 2013
Originally a television play, Twelve Angry Men has been adapted for film (the 1957 film starred Henry Fonda and was nominated for an Academy Award), radio and of course stage. There is more to Bill Kenwright's production of Reginald Rose's play than first meets the eye. Twelve jurors have to decide the fate of a young man accused of killing his father. The jury begin with an almost unanimous vote, but is isn't long before the tables are turned (quite literally).
Christopher Haydon's direction is clever and simply outstanding. In the hands of the wrong director Twelve Angry Men could potentially be very boring. The set doesn't change and the play is essentially twelve men of all ages, shapes and sizes arguing round and round in circles, yet Haydon's direction keeps the piece going at all times. There are very few static moments as the men are constantly moving around while the tension gradually builds and builds. He really has done a terrific job and has made the play visually interesting to watch as well as insightful and exciting to listen to.
Michael Pavelka's design is very atmospheric. The detail is so perfect - the smoke, fan and rain all bring so much to the piece without you even realising. At times Reginald Rose's writing is a little predictable with inspiring speeches and great stubbornness. The arguments go round in circles, and while this is frustrating, it is part of the fun and adds to the intensity. One or two sections drag on a little too long but throughout most of the play I lost awareness of length and time.
The twelve actors keep the piece alive with big and bold portrayals while performing with great depth. As an audience member at first I thought I had the story sussed out... but then I wasn't completely sure as to where it was heading. Twelve Angry Men is performed with great passion and had me gripped throughout.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Twelve Angry Men runs at the Garrick Theatre until Saturday 1st March 2014.
Photo Credit: Robert Day
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