Theatre Review: Twelve Angry Men at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2023 Touring Production of Twelve Angry Men at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham*

“Twelve Angry Men” is one of those classic movies that I can watch over and over. Released in 1957, the film tells the powerful story of twelve jurors, responsible for deciding the fate of a teenager charged with first-degree murder. Tensions rise as what initially seems like a clearcut conviction is questioned and challenged, forcing the jurors to face their own morals and values. The film is widely considered to be one of the best of all time. It’s a travesty that it didn’t win an Oscar despite multiple nominations.

As someone that was on jury duty for five gruelling weeks back in 2012 (and again, for two much less gruelling weeks in 2019) I remember all too well what it’s like to make those decisions. Although I was mostly with 11 much less angry companions.

“It takes a great deal of courage to stand alone even if you believe in something very strongly”

Twelve Angry Men is a real-time, “locked room” depiction of the juror discussions and deliberations. To find the youth guilty means to sentence him to death. The audience are gripped as his fate teeters between life and death. Temperatures rise and tempers fray in the steamy courthouse.

Originally written by Reginald Rose, this production is directed by Christopher Haydon and has been brought to life by Bill Kenwright Productions. Bill was a staunch supporter of the arts and his death last week was a great loss to the theatre world.

Patrick Duffy (yes, Bobby Ewing is alive and well) plays Juror #Eight, the role originated by Henry Fonda. He is the first of the jurors to question the evidence, and places the greatest value on fairness and justice from the outset. The certainties of the other jurors begin to collapse one by one. From the murder weapon to the reliability of the witnesses, every piece of evidence is scrutinised. Some jurors present logical, carefully considered opinions, on both sides of the verdict. Others refuse to consider that there may even be a seed of reasonable doubt.

Prejudice, justice and classism are all woven throughout the play. It is important to the plot that the twelve are all men; there is an expectation of commonality and similar thinking. But it soon becomes clear that there are many factors at play – age, values, temperament, heritage, education.

“No jury can convict a man guilty unless it’s sure”

There are some recognisable faces but every member of this outstanding ensemble performance shines. Each character evolves, with most eliciting some sympathy from the audience. Well, apart from Gray O’Brien, the detestable Juror #Ten. Juror #Three, played by Tristan Gemmill, is hot-headed and passionate, his clear desire to convict emanating from his own turbulent relationship with his son. My personal favourite is Paul Beech as Juror #Nine – a careful and considered elderly gentleman with an eye for detail. And we have recently seen Kenneth Jay – Juror #Eleven – in another Bill Kenwright Production, The Shawshank Redemption.

Michael Pavelka’s set is pleasingly simple; after all the entire storyline plays out in a single setting. The jury table revolves almost imperceptibly, cleverly mirroring the ever-changing perspective of the jurors. This might be the first time I’ve ever seen working plumbing on the Alexandra stage too. It’s a clever little distraction to allow the jurors to move around the small space.

The end is neat and thought-provoking. There are plenty of interesting articles out there about how the jurors probably came to the wrong conclusion if you want to disappear down a Twelve Angry Men rabbit hole. Like I did.

The verdict is in – outstanding performances, an atmospheric staging and a stunning adaptation.

Twelve Angry Men is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 4th November 2023. Purchase your tickets here.

*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.