A riveting courtroom drama based on Barry Reed’s 1980 novel of the same name, The Verdict was adapted for film in 1982 and starred Paul Newman, James Mason and Charlotte Rampling. 

This stage adaptation, toured by Middle Ground Theatre Company, stars Jason Merrells, who’s well known for his roles in, among other television series, Emmerdale, Casualty and Waterloo Road. Merrells plays Frank Galvin, a complex yet charismatic lawyer who’s down on his luck and struggling with alcoholism.
The Boston-located story sees Frank’s former partner and mentor, Moe Katz (played by Vincent Pirillo), send him a medical malpractice case which could easily be settled out of court for a significant amount of money. It’s an easy win-win for all concerned.

The malpractice case involves Deborah Anne, a young woman given a general anaesthetic during childbirth who was tragically deprived of oxygen and left in a vegetative state after choking on her own vomit during the procedure. Frank is deeply affected after visiting her in hospital. Acting on his own and without the knowledge of Debbie’s grieving mother, he decides to turn down the lucrative out-of-court settlement and take the case to trial...

Rarely off stage, Jason Merrells is superb as the troubled but likeable Frank, and supported by a strong and impressive cast. This is an absorbing, compelling and splendidly staged production, which, despite being quite lengthy, features more than enough twists and turns to keep you thoroughly engaged throughout. I particularly enjoyed the audience being addressed as the jury in the court-room scene in the second act.

Is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth told in court? Is Frank disbarred for openly challenging the judge? Does the jury conclude that Debbie’s profound disabilities were caused by an accident or by negligence via the use of an incorrect anaesthetic? See for yourself by catching this moving and exciting play during its brief run in Malvern.

Four stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull at Malvern Theatres on Tuesday 6 June. Verdict continues to show at the venue until Saturday 10 June.