London theatre review: Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie

Witness for the Prosecution is one of Agatha Christie’s best-known thrillers and one of the most unique theatrical experiences in London.

I’ve been a big Christie enthusiast for years, so I was excited when I found out about this show.

Apart from the great story, the most interesting thing about this play is the venue it’s held in. More about that later.

It’s Christie at her best: suspenseful, exciting, and fun.

Witness for the Prosecution is worth seeing, not just for fans of Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries, but also for anyone who loves a good courtroom drama with a twist.

In this guide, I share my review of Witness for the Prosecution, tips on the best seats to choose based on my experience, and things to do nearby.

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What’s Witness for the Prosecution about?

The plot of Witness for the Prosecution is clever and full of suspense.

It features a very likeable guy, Leonard Vole, who strikes up a friendship with a wealthy older woman, Miss French.

When she’s found dead, it turns out he was named in her will and so he becomes a suspect with an apparent motive.

Leonard’s alibi depends on his wife, Romaine, who says he was home with her that night.

Then the trial starts and… no spoilers, but expect to be surprised.

I was fascinated throughout and truly couldn’t guess the ending.

What’s special about the venue?

The show takes place in an unusual venue: the historic London County Hall building, the former headquarters of London’s local government.

It’s very different from the familiar West End theatre experience.

The production fits the story into the debating chamber. It’s a wonderful use of the space and a great example of site-specific theatre.

The hall, with its dark wooden panels and atmospheric architecture, resembles a courtroom and has an old-fashioned feel. It becomes part of the drama.

You can take photos of the hall before and after the show. It’s a bit dark, but that makes it look even more dramatic.

The immersive effect

We were sitting in the (super comfortable) seats once used by council members, surrounding the stage in the centre.

The closer you are to the stage, the more involved you feel. My seat wasn’t very close, but the whole experience still felt much more immersive than an ordinary theatre show.

The front seats are on the same level as the stage, so the barristers in the play pace and argue right in front of you.

At the beginning of the trial, a small group of audience members sitting in the Jury box Seats are “sworn in”, and the actors sometimes address them directly.

What are the best seats for Witness for the Prosecution?

The best seats are in the stalls, in rows C or D from number 7 to 17. They provide the best experience. You’ll be very close to the actors for the immersive effect, but a little elevated for an excellent view.

The seats in the stalls are very comfortable, wide and cushioned, with plenty of legroom.

Jury Box seats give you the extra benefit of “acting” as part of the jury (though the audience isn’t expected to participate). There are only 12 of them: seats J1 – J12.

TIP: Even if you don’t get a seat in the Jury Box, I recommend you book a seat in the stalls on the same side as the stage as the jury.

That’s where I chose to sit because the actors face that side more often during the show.

The seating plan for Witness for the Prosecution is a bit unusual, I had to examine it and check reviews before picking the best seats.

The seats in the stalls that are right next to the Jury Box are in rows A to F.
The seat numbers go up to 25, so I recommend seats 7-17 for the best view.

Rows C and D are ideal in terms of distance from the stage, but you can still get a good view even from row F.

Gallery seats are more affordable, but I don’t think they’re worth it, considering you won’t feel the same sense of involvement in the show.

You’ll be seeing the play from above and may have to lean forward sometimes. They’re also less comfortable.

Is Witness for the Prosecution worth seeing?

Yes, especially if you love a good murder mystery or a legal drama with a twist.

• The story is so well crafted and the ending is unpredictable.

• The acting was excellent throughout, and the characters were brought to life brilliantly.

• Though it’s a very old play, it still felt fresh and relevant.

Witness for the Prosecution is also worth seeing if you’re after something unique to do in London or looking for a different theatrical experience.

Useful things to know

• Running time: The play lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes, with a 20 minute interval.

• Book tickets well in advance, as it’s a popular play and the good seats can sell out quickly.

• Arrive early at the venue. I suggest you get there at least 30 minutes before the show. You’ll have time to appreciate the building. I spent some time taking pictures around County Hall.

• There are both evening shows and matinees to choose from. I think a Saturday matinee is a great option if you want to go to the theatre on a weekend trip to London, as you’ll have the morning and the evening free.

Things to do nearby

County Hall is a few minutes’ walk from Waterloo Station.

It’s a great location for sightseeing, close to the River Thames.

You can easily spend about a day in South Bank and then see Witness for the Prosecution in the evening, or plan your day around a matinee.

The short walking distance to other attractions gives you a lot of flexibility when you plan your itinerary.

There are many popular attractions around South Bank, including:

• Tate Modern
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• London Eye
• London Dungeon
• Borough Market
• Tower Bridge (a bit farther away)

You can also get an affordable one-day unlimited cruise pass.

In between these attractions, a leisurely walk along the River Thames is always a good idea. There are street performers and food stalls along the way.

More Agatha Christie in London

There’s another great play by Agatha Christie that I recommend you see in London: The Mousetrap.

It’s the longest-running play in the world, not just in London. It’s been running since 1952!

The play is about a group of strangers trapped in a country house during a storm. One of them is a killer. Pure joy if you love murder mysteries.

The Mousetrap is on at a traditional West End theatre, St Martin’s Theatre in Covent Garden.

A couple of minutes away there’s a statue in memory of Agatha Christie worth checking out.

As a Christie fan, I created a full guide to Agatha Christie in London with more places related to her life and work.

More London theatre guides

• London musicals or plays: what to see in the West End?
• Best London West End plays for first timers
• 17 useful things to know about London theatre
• The best musicals in London
• Shakespeare plays in London
• Best London West End musicals for first timers

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