Edinburgh Festival Fringe REVIEW Silence in Court ****

Silence in Court: by Liam Rudden
New Town Theatre, George Street
16:00 & 19:30 various dates 1st -25th August

Does justice prevail? Are we programmed to ignore ‘gut’ feel for truth and testimony?, would direct jury involvement help or hinder the process?

These questions plus the potential for personal bias are delightfully exposed during this stimulating courtroom analysis. However it is the twist of juror and public gallery involvement that gives this show its edge.

In a simply constructed overview of the uncomfortable subject of rape, the attendees are presented with both defense and prosecution statements from plaintiff, accuser and both of their legal representatives. This leads to another question, are you swayed by the performance of the legal professionals on show?

From the early procedural beginnings (‘All Stand!’), you are exposed to a trying to decipher the recanted differing version of events on the evening in question and base your decisions accordingly. But there is delightful twist to this; everyone gets to join in the debate and search for truth. The debate is adeptly managed by the Court Usher, who performs his duties admirably throughout.

Given the nature of the unfolding drama and dependent upon who is on the jury and in the audience, the final decision of guilt or innocence is never a foregone conclusion and can even shift one way or other as the opportunity for public cross-examination is played into the trial proceedings. Only you can decide the outcome.

A great way to spend an hour at the festival.

4 out of 5 stars

Submitted by James Stevenson