Morning. When the audience take their seats, there is no curtain. The stage is dark, but at the front is a door marked JURY ROOM. On the wall is a clock showing 9.45 a.m. When the house lights go down, the door opens and the Jury Bailiff steps through it and addresses the audience. Jury Bailiff Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury. Welcome to the Old Bailey. My name is Gilbert Pierce and I have been appointed your jury bailiff. You have been summoned this day to appear at the Central Criminal Court. The trial you have been selected for is the Crown versus Mr Patrick Sherwood. Mr Sherwood is charged with murder. In a few moments I will take you through to Court Number One. But as I suspect this is the first time you’ve been called on to give jury service, you may well have some questions, and as this is my one hundred and fourteenth murder, I may just have some of the answers. Now the judge in this case is Mr Justice Cartwright who considers himself to be the natural successor to Judge Jeffreys and his views on the restoration of the death penalty are well documented.
What do You think about The Accused (Modern Plays)?
