Twelve Angry Men – Bord Gais Energy Theatre – Review
16 – 20 April 2024

Find out more about this Bill Kenwright Production here.

At the start of this production, we meet the twelve jury members in the New York County Courthouse. They have just finished hearing the evidence in a murder case. It is that of an 18-year-old boy accused of killing his abusive father. Initially, the facts in the case seem clear with some damning evidence against the young man. The jury is unanimous except for one dissenting voice. As the jurors debate the evidence, slowly the ‘facts’ become less distinct.

The first incarnation of “Twelve Angry Men” was in 1954, with a teleplay (written by Reginald Rose) for the American anthology television series Studio One. It was adapted to the silver screen only 3 years later in 1957, directed by Sidney Lumet with Henry Fonda starring. It went on to win 3 Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is now considered a classic of the genre.

The cast for this production is gathered from many familiar English TV shows, with Jason Merrells (Casualty, Emmerdale), Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street, Peak Practice), Tristan Gemmill (Coronation Street, Casualty), Michael Greco (EastEnders) and others all featuring. It is an ensemble piece and by the end of the play, you feel you know each jury member. The cast all have their moments to shine, but Jason Merrells as Juror 8 is essentially the lead actor. He points out many flaws in the prosecution’s arguments, arguing against the consensus.

The play has stood the test of time. It is unusual as you know or suspect where the play will go but it’s just a question of how the writer achieves this. The work is now 70 years old but the themes of race and prejudice are just as relevant today. What does seem dated is that the jury is all male and mostly of a similar age and background. I doubt it would be made today without more diversity on display!

The play is firmly set in one room, with the 12 jury members sitting and standing around a large wooden table. There are windows at the back of the set and doors leading out on either side. It’s a simple set but highly effective at establishing the time and place.

The play is more cerebral than most, with an emphasis on the battle of wits between the jurors. The dynamics between the jury members are the most fascinating element of the story. We see the loud and bombastic members dominating the early scenes but the quiet members also have their say, and sometimes they are the most telling. It’s a sharply written piece that delves into American society exposing all types of uncomfortable truths.