Review: Twelve Angry Men production lives up to huge billing

The late Bill Kenwright’s reputation speaks for itself in theatreland - so it was good to pay tribute to his achievements over the years by attending his company's production of the classic courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men at Lichfield's Garrick, writes Jon Griffin.

The former Everton chairman clearly relished many a blood and guts battle given his lengthy stewardship of his beloved Everton FC, so it's hardly surprising to see his company's name associated with this gripping tale of an American jury’s deliberations at the end of a murder trial.

The life of a teenager accused of killing his brutal father lies in the hands of the 12-strong jury comprised of an array of different characters from a variety of backgrounds, and the entire play revolves around their decision whether the teenager is sent to the electric chair.

The play has been hailed “the classiest, most intelligent drama playing on the West End” bringing the 1957 three-time Academy Award nominated film to the stage, and this Lichfield version does its best to live up to that sort of billing.

Ultimately it's a classic study in prejudice and preconceived ideas as the 12 men charged with deciding whether a teenager should live or die end up virtually at blows as the clock ticks towards the climax.

The cast, including soap stars Jason Merrells from Casualty and Emmerdale, Gray O’Brien from Coronation Street and Peak Practice, Tristan Gemmill from Coronation Street and Casualty, Michael Greco from EastEnders and Gary Webster from Minder and Family Affairs, bring a variety of characters to the drama, from the initial lone sceptic to the loud bullyboy convinced of the teenager’s guilt.

The tension never flags and builds towards a climax which maintains audience interest until the very end. You suspect the late Everton chairman would have been satisfied with the eventual outcome of this engrossing battle….

Twelve Angry Men runs at the Garrick until Saturday 13 April.