Witness for the Prosecution (BottledSnail Productions), at the Old Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, part of National Trust's Old Melbourne Gaol

What do Ned Kelly and Squizzy Taylor have in common?

The notorious bushranger and gangland figure were two of the infamous inmates of the Old Melbourne Gaol, where 133 were hanged for their crimes.

It seems only fitting then that the latest highly charged murder trial, which steps back in time, takes place within its bluestone walls.

The gaol doubles as the Old Bailey and the case is the Crown vs Leonard Vole.

Photos by Prani West (front page photo by Nicky Neville-Jones)

Vole (Mason Frost) is accused of the coshing death of wealthy 56-year-old Emily French – whom he visited regularly – a charge he vehemently denies.

Days before her unfortunate demise, French changed her will to leave everything to Vole.

Vole maintains he was at home with his wife, exotic foreigner Romaine (Marie Constantine), when French was stuck on the head by a blunt instrument.

At first, Romaine backs Vole’s story, but then she changes her mind.

Working against Vole is the testimony of French’s long serving housekeeper, Janet McKenzie (Prani West).

She swears she overheard Vole laughing with French just before she was bludgeoned to death.

So it is that prosector Ms Myers QC (Emily Porter SC) has Vole just where she wants him.

Renowned defence barrister Sir Wilfrid Robarts QC (Mark Robins KC) has his work cut out for him. 

And then a silver bullet is introduced that changes everything, turning the head of presiding judge Justice Wainwright (His Honour, Michael Strong).

The twists just keep on coming in this clever Agatha Christie whodunnit, initially published as a short story in 1925.

Christie later adapted it for the stage in 1953, before it was turned into a 1957 movie starring Charles Laughton, Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power.

Now it is back as a thoroughly engaging, immersive theatrical production, featuring some cracking performances.

The script incorporates drama and humour.

The shenanigans begin even before the play proper starts, as the courtroom is a hive of activity for a quarter hour.

Various accused, some handcuffed, are milling about, protesting their innocence, with police and legal counsel also there in numbers.

Several of the 16 actors cast fill multiple roles. 

Most impressive is Mark Robins KC, who maintains an authoritative air throughout.

Resplendent as a witness in red, I was also taken by Marie Constantine’s uppity demeanour.

Prani West displays her versatility, in terms of character and accent, in no less than three roles, including the pre-show interplay.

Mason Frost milks the anxiousness of the accused.

I was also sold on Michael Strong as the officiating judge.

Set in 1950s London, evocative costuming by costume designer Prani West hits the mark. 

Unquestionably, the authenticity of the wood panelled surroundings is a major plus. Frankly, it brought back memories for me as a former court reporter.

A handful of props aids the cause nicely.

The two settings represented are Sir Wilfrid Robarts QC’s chambers and the Old Bailey.

The sound design by Blake Stringer, which incorporates noises one would normally associate with a courtroom setting, gives Witness for the Prosecution extra clout.

So, too, the effective lighting design by Michael Rowe.

I commend director Nicky Neville-Jones for embracing the intrigue inherent in the writing with such spirit. 

After all, let’s face it, who doesn’t like a good thriller, which this most certainly is.

Witness for the Prosecution is playing at Old Melbourne Gaol until 30^th May, 2026.