The interval is the buzziest and the busiest I’ve been in for a while. 

This is the first performance of Theatre Hawke’s Bay’s latest offering Beyond Reasonable Doubt, on in Hastings until 22 March. 

Penned by novelist, politician and convicted criminal Jeffrey Archer in the late ‘80s, the play is a game of two halves with much heated debate between acts. It centres on a court case, and the death of the magnificent Millicent Metcalfe. She’s a darling. And the clever use of witnesses testifying to the fact means the audience loves her even before they’ve met her. So, although the piece is wordy and complex, it’s riveting because we care and we are invested in the outcome. 

Hence the lively parlay at the break.

The contrast in form and style between the two halves is as stark as the contrast between the two leading women. Lady Metcalfe herself is played by the glamorous and charismatic Linda Gilchrist. She exudes charm and pitches her timbre at a perfect midpoint between queen and fairy godmother. Her opposite number is charlady Mrs Rogers, brought to life by Carol Williams. With a cast dominated by men, and with plenty of mansplaining to drive the plot along, it’s these two who provide the heart of the story.

Most in the audience would have seen hundreds more hours of courtroom drama than actual courtrooms so the setting and tropes of the first half are immediately familiar. Equally it feels a little pastiche and is challenging for the cast as all but one are locked in boxes or behind desks, limiting the action.

The court scenes are carried by the wonderful Neil McCorkell, always the crowd favourite. His use of voice craft and physical positioning means he propels the piece along. Across the board the voice work is excellent and bouquets to those involved in any coaching to get the cast there.

The ensemble presents as if it has just come off a run of a dramatised Agatha Christie or Charles Dickens, all slightly more fanciful than real life. Honorable mention must go to Conner Hirst who does much with his five lines. His careful hand gestures and clever eye movements are captivating. We look forward to whatever he appears in next. Eileen Von Dadelszen is masterful as Dr Weeden and a lovely surprise to see her treading the boards. She too is one to watch for in future offerings.

Jesse Smith has been seen in earlier productions often bringing comic relief, and although this role demands more gravity he still manages to bring some lightness to what is a hefty piece.

The second half loses momentum in parts and the cast would do well to bring up the pace. Once characters have been established and exposition fully realised they can trust the audience to keep up with the plot no matter how fast they drive it.

In parts the playwright leans too heavily on the work of another, more famous writer, and it feels lazy. It’s in these moments though that lead John Graham really shines, and we fall in love with Sir David. Many in the audience would be eager now to see him let loose on the full Milkwood.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt is long and it seems that Archer didn’t quite know how to end it, as it does keep going well after it should have said Good Night. The characters, voice work and intrigue keep it moving though, and give audience plenty to natter about on the drive home.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Theatre Hawke’s Bay
6-22 March 2025
www.theatrehb.co.nz