Witness for the Prosecution

Consolidation of Christie’s fame as a playwright came in 1953 with the production of Witness for the Prosecution.  Peter Saunders the famous producer suggested to the author that it would make a great play but Christie herself had doubts about the project.  She felt the short story would not make a convincing court room drama.  Nonetheless she began her research; reading up on trial transcripts and discussing procedure with several barristers and solicitors.  The research was well worth it and she wrote the play in less than three weeks!

The ending of the short story was changed.  Christie felt the theatre needed something more visually dramatic and violent.  The production got underway quickly with David Horne playing the role of Wilfred Robarts, the QC briefed to defend Leonard Vole.  The play opened in October, 1953.  Christie said it was, “The one night at the theatre that will always stand out in my memory.”  Critics were impressed: “Agatha Christie must be happy this morning,” The Daily Mirror critic wrote.  “While one thriller, The Mousetrap is packing them in at the Ambassadors Theatre, another play opened with great success last night at the Winter Garden Theatre.”

The play ran for 468 performances in London before crossing to the States where it enjoyed even greater success.  The Broadway production ran for 645 performances and won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle award for the best foreign play.  In 1957 longevity was assured when the play was adapted by Hollywood for the screen in Billy Wilder’s unforgettable film.

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