Dear editor:

As a theatre goer of many years, I feel obliged to comment on the review of the Shaw production of “Witness for the Prosecution,” by Agatha Christie and directed by Alistair Newton, (“Highs and lows in Shaw’s ‘Witness for the Prosecution,” July 11).

Penny-Lynn Cookson has seemingly reviewed this Christie gem as not only a mystery but one which is intended to be a serious commentary on the legal system, male-female relationships and social inequalities.

Worthy as such topics were 70 years ago and still relevant today but the director has clearly chosen to bring a fresh approach to this production.

This was apparent with the entrance of the gorgeous (my aside) Marla McLean as Mrs. Vole.

The form-fitting dress, the long pearl cigarette holder and the smokey saxophone music in the background indicated to the patrons that this was going to be a production relying heavily on the camp side rather than a serious study of social issues.

The reviewer appears to have missed this point as she complained about the logic of Mrs. Vole’s expensive wardrobe when she was allegedly poor or that the two barristers sat next to each other in the court scenes.

Clearly overlooked was the wonderful chemistry between Patrick Galligan and Graeme Somerville as the two combatants jousted verbally in and out of the courtroom.

Their performances were mesmerizing for the audience as evidenced by the standing ovation for them and the wonderful supporting cast.

I realize each theatre patron sees the world differently but in this case the great majority of the audience by the their response saw the play as the director intended: A somewhat campy production with clever dialogue and all the twists and turns of the usual Agatha Christie mystery.

Michael Eagen
NOTL