I admit it, I have a slight phobia about 'courtroom dramas' - I approach them with the same nervous anticipation as panto's, fearing the worst but hoping to be pleasantly surprised. Hence I approached the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre with a slight drag in my step last night, although the beaming face of Tom Conti on the promo poster for Rough Justice did alleviate my fears a little. Conti is good and everyone loves him so surely any play that bills him as the star would be of the highest order. "Order, order", oh Lordy, the courtroom cry was already ringing in my ears as I slipped into my seat. And there in front of me was that classic courtroom scene - heavy wood panelling, dark green chairs, desks and sombre robes - I would've run if I could but I couldn't get past the rest of Row E and the play was about to start.
Within minutes we gather that TV journalist James Highwood (Tom Conti) is being accused of smothering his 9 month old baby. But hang on a minute - Heywood is admitting the charge - this could be a very short play indeed. Of course, nothing is what it seems and I become quickly caught up in the intrigue of this fast moving psychological thriller which proves to be much more than a courtroom drama.
Conti is brilliant as the father who admits he killed his own son, but he pleads for compassion. On learning that the baby was disabled we, the audience, are challenged to consider if this was a 'mercy killing'. Reactions from members of court, his solicitor and his wife all contribute to the tangle of emotions we experience as we witness Heywood swing from challenging the judge and lawyer to crumbling in an emotional heap as he recalls the incident.
Terence Frisby, who wrote the play, has first hand experience of being brought down by the legal system and this is evident in the sharp dialogue and accurate presentation of the strange ways of the law. The dialogue is sharp, witty and concise - not a word is wasted and there is humour amongst the angst. Heywood's outbursts to the judge are funny, and at times alarmingly brave.
The smothering of a small baby is a sensitive topic indeed, particularly perhaps as he is disabled and the debate about quality of life is bounced around the courtroom like a ball in nursery. Topics such as euthanasia, abortion, mercy killing etc. all come to the fore and it is easy for us to watch and nod wisely from the safety of our seats. Until the end, when the lights turn on us and it is our turn to judge. You have been warned. Your final decision may haunt you all the way home.
A very good play with great performances all round - you will reflect back on it again and again.
Rough Justice is at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford until Saturday, September 21 www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
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