Polly Rogers gives her verdict on the show, Murder Trial Tonight, Death of a Landlord.
Tiger Lane Studios brought the immersive experience that was Murder Trial Tonight, Death of a Landlord to the Olympia Theatre, a beautiful and decadent venue located within the bustling Temple Bar. The play followed a court trial, which was based upon true events, and showed the devastating story and evidence that surrounded the murder of a father, allowing the spectator’s immersion into the narrative. This show highlights the jury's perspective and the ease of persuasion from performances within the British judicial system. You are enabled from your seat to cast your vote: your own opinion and emotions genuinely matter and sway the verdict, which could irreparably change lives. After the sentencing the true events of the night of the crime are broadcasted on screen, which allows an unveiling of the fact, not the trials fabrications, to prevail.
Tre Bennet, a schizophrenic young man, is on trial for the brutal murder of a father and his landlord, Victor Sloane. This attack was witnessed by the victim's six year old daughter, Brooks. This trial is a heated tennis game between the prosecution and the defence, their strategic approaches to questioning and playing with the witnesses only pulls and toys with their emotions to draw reactions and information out into the open of the courtroom.
The defense, played by Ian Houghton, was powerfully charismatic in his delivery. He played a sympathetic ploy, showing a pleasant demeanour towards those on the stand, nevermind his hidden intentions. The Prosecution, played by Alex Kapila, was irritable and incessant. Her personality was serious and showcased the professionalism she exuded, she was careful with her verbal attacks, achieving the exact reactions she wanted from the witnesses. Within her closing speech, she brought an emotion filled argument which no doubt affected many in their voting. The set was sleek, its wooden panelling and boxes were realistic and regal, allowing court to truly be in session within the Olympias auditorium.
The verdict after the audience's vote was a shocking majority, 85% of the audience voting in the same manner, only to find afterwards that the truth was exactly the opposite. This represents a large amount of both wrongful incarcerations, and criminals walking free upon the streets even after their heinous crimes - all because a performance by a legal aid was so convincing, a jury believed what they heard and felt was true. Juries are wrong roughly 1 in every 8 cases, and this performance serves as a poignant reminder, allowing us the jury to walk out onto the streets with a new realisation of the inherent flaws within legal systems, and perhaps a few extra glances over our shoulders en route to our buses… Just in case.