A tantalising 'guilty or not guilty' outcome, a neutral jury and lawyers being a law unto themselves - you simply cannot beat a good old fashioned, stirring courtroom drama.
The Verdict is a stylish stage version of the 1982 Paul Newman movie of the same name.
It was last in New Brighton in March 2017 with Casualty star Clive Mantle in the leading role of a David taking on Goliath plot storyline.
This interpretation is first rate when it comes to detail - not only in the various sets - from warm Irish bar to workman-like office and the US flag-draped courtroom - but also in its accessible use of the complicated legal jargon.
It comes from creative stalwarts Middle Ground Theatre Company, who have been active for 35 years and have earned a loyal following with their consistently high standards.
And it’s always fun spotting stars from our soaps and dramas in the respective casts.
This splendidly-paced two and half hour production from Barry Reed's book takes place in Boston in 1980 where a pre-op maternity malpractice case is being fought against a Catholic hospital so much so the bishop intervenes.
Four years after a woman having her third child was still in a coma. How? Why? More questions than answers emerge thick and fast.
Alcoholic, debt-ridden attorney at law lawyer Frank Galvin at first accepts a pay-off but he loses faith in the settlement and decides to fight the case for the devastated family.
Heading the accomplished line-up is Jason Merrell (Emmerdale, Agatha Raisin and Happy Valley) as the world-weary Frank who still has a driving fire for justice and fairness.
Jason plays the character’s drunken stupors to confident swaggers superbly and at times he is reminiscent of US actor Kevin Costner.
Along the way in the legal minefield we meet Frank’s seen-it-all mentor Moe Katz; a jaded judge with a back story and a love interest bar maid who arrives out of the blue.
There are some funny one-liners peppered throughout and very appropriate music from Lynette Webster.
There were some sound issues in the first act but happily these were sorted out for the second. It is vital to have sound levels just right especially when a lot of important dialogue is involved.
The Verdict tells a strong story and there are some genuine twists and turns. I am not giving any evidence away.
Book yourself a date in court. It's an enjoyable experience ... I rest my case.
Verdict on The Verdict: Hugely entertaining drama
Four Stars
It is on until Saturday. Tickets from the Floral Pavilion box office: 0151 666 0000
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel