Witness for the Prosecution
next weekend in London
Available Performances
Agatha Christie's courtroom thriller puts the audience inside the trial as a murder case twists toward its verdict.
⭐4.8
MR JOHN MARSH ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Graeme Cook ⭐⭐⭐
Yaakov Gushansky ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kathy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Zoe Warren ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
sharonrichards ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Paul Stevens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CJ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nina Stone ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maxine Baker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
rachel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Melanie Lee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CLARE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deborah ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Leeza Thalakottur ⭐⭐⭐⭐
rahul agarwal ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MR B ELSON ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gloria Kerrigan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Things to Know Before You Go
Updated: Tue 14 Jul, 06:00 London time
Is there a Saturday matinee for Witness for the Prosecution next weekend?
Yes — Sat 25 Jul 14:30 (tickets available).
What time does the Witness for the Prosecution Sunday show start next weekend?
Sun 26 Jul 15:00
What's the cheapest Witness for the Prosecution performance next weekend?
From £20 (Fri).
The County Hall venue itself — what's it like to be inside the old council chamber?
It's the production's strongest hand. The former London County Council debating chamber on the South Bank is mahogany-and-leather Edwardian municipal grandeur, and the staging dresses it up as the Old Bailey almost without effort. The witness stand, the dock, the jury benches — you sit in a court rather than in a theatre that's playing one. Arrive early to take in the room properly; the architecture is half the ticket.
For someone who saw the 1957 Billy Wilder film — what's different?
More play, fewer flashbacks. Christie wrote the original short story tighter than the screen version, and the stage adaptation by Lucy Bailey keeps almost everything in the courtroom rather than ducking out to Vole's flat. The big reveal lands the same way. What changes is the air in the room: the cinema is one cut from witness to defendant; here, both are inches from you.
Best seats inside a courtroom set — where do you actually want to sit?
The jury benches, if you can get them — they're priced as premium and sit you on the stage itself, looking at the trial sideways with the rest of the audience opposite. Failing that, the front of the stalls (the gallery seats) is the right side of the room. The upper tiers are atmospheric but, sitting in the public gallery of a real courtroom, you're further from the witnesses' faces than you'd want for this particular play.
Is Witness for the Prosecution suitable for children?
Witness for the Prosecution centres on a murder trial and includes tense interrogations, adult themes and morally complex characters. While older teenagers who enjoy crime dramas may find it gripping, it is not ideal for very young children. Check the recommended age guidance when booking and consider your child's sensitivity to suspense.
How immersive is the courtroom setting at London County Hall?
The production makes full use of the former council chamber. The judge's bench, witness stand and public gallery are all part of the space, and some audience members sit in designated jury seats. Even from standard seats you have a strong sense of being present at a real trial.
How long does Witness for the Prosecution run?
The play usually runs for just over two hours, including an interval. The time passes quickly thanks to the tight pacing and the way each scene introduces new information or questions.
Do I need to know the story before I go?
No. In many ways it is better if you do not, as the twists and revelations will land more strongly. The production is staged clearly enough that you can follow the case without any prior knowledge of the short story or film.
Is there a dress code for Witness for the Prosecution?
There is no formal dress code. Most people opt for smart-casual clothing suitable for an evening out in central London, but you will see a range of styles in the audience.
Where is London County Hall and how do I get there?
London County Hall is on the South Bank of the Thames, near the London Eye. The nearest major stations are Waterloo and Westminster, both within walking distance and served by several Tube lines and bus routes.
About this show
Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution places you at the heart of a murder trial, staged inside the magnificent council chamber of London County Hall. As you take your seat beneath carved wood panelling and imposing balconies, barristers, witnesses and the accused step forward to tell their stories. Under the judge's watchful eye, arguments and evidence move at a gripping pace, creating a courtroom drama staged in a real historic chamber. With twists and shaky alibis that keep you guessing, this production feels more immersive than a traditional play, especially if you sit in the gallery or designated jury seats. Even if you have never seen the film or read the story, the moral questions at its centre make it a memorable night of theatre.