Two Hundred Turn Out to Witness Rough Justice in Victorian Trials

Two hundred people packed out Usk courtroom to see magistrates and solicitors from all over Gwent act out real-life Victorian trials – and witness justice 19th Century style.


Magistrates and members of Newport Playgoers Society

played people from both sides of the law in the

mock Victorian trials.
PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL

The onlookers cheered and jeered as harsh sentences - ranging from transportation to imprisonment with hard labour - were handed out in the historic courtroom. The trials, which were adapted from actual transcripts, included neighbourhood disputes, stabbings and passing counterfeit coins.

“The event was organised to celebrate 650 years of magistrates in the UK, and was an incredible success,” said Revis Williams, one of the magistrates who donned period costume to take part.

A dramatic moment during the trials when

a woman is accused of passing counterfeit coins
PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL

“Some people thought we were professional actors which was very flattering. Everyone involved had a marvellous time and some of my colleagues are saying we should do it again – maybe even put on a panto!” she added.

Newport Playgoers played a key role in the success of the mock trials by lending Victorian costumes from their extensive wardrobe at the Dolman Theatre.

“We were only too happy to help out,” said NPS spokesperson Phil Mansell. “Two of our members wrote the script and took part, playing people in the dock on the receiving end of some tough sentences. The magistrates were so grateful they have made a donation to Newport Playgoers' wardrobe department.”


The cast of magistrates and solicitors in costume
PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL



Magistrates Sentenced to Go Back in Time and Experience Rough Justice!

 Local magistrates have been plundering the wardrobe department of Newport Playgoers to find Victorian costumes for a re-enactment of real-life court cases from yesteryear.


Magistrates, solicitors and members of Newport Playgoers
Society try on Victorian costumes at the Dolman Theatre in
preparation for their re-enactment of real life trials.
PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL

The public will be able to see harsh sentences and rough justice handed out in the historic courtroom at Usk Sessions House on Saturday 17th September when the magistrates stage their version of crime and punishment 19th Century style.

“The event is one of many celebrating 650 years of magistrates in the UK,” said Clare Drewett, who has written the script for the event based on actual transcripts of Victorian trials.

“It’s sure to be an entertaining and educational session which will provide an insight into how justice was meted out in the past. The trials include neighbourhood disputes, stabbings and passing counterfeit coins. I think people will be very surprised by the sentences which range from transportation to imprisonment with hard labour.

“Usk Sessions House is the perfect venue for the trials as it’s the only truly authentic Victorian court room left in Britain. We hope lots of people will come along and see this lively event - and join in as well by heckling and cheering from the public gallery."

The re-enacted trials will take place between 2 – 4 pm on Saturday 17th September at Usk Sessions House in Maryport Street, Usk.

.

Book into 'Fawlty Towers' for a fun-filled evening



Waiting to welcome you to ‘Fawlty Towers’ are

 Sybil (Nicky Davies), Basil (Alex Wilson),

Manuel (Ryan Salter) and Polly (Catherine Morgan)

 It's a tall order taking a work from the small screen to the stage, especially when it's a timeless classic like 'Fawlty Towers' and the script has not been re-written or adapted.

"Que?" asks Manuel (Ryan Salter).
Polly (Catherine Morgan) tries to explain.

But that's just what Newport Playgoers will be doing when they present John Cleese's comic farce at the Dolman Theatre from 13 - 17 September. I was lucky enough to be able to go along and interrupt rehearsals to take some publicity photos last week, and was struck by how much everyone is enjoying the challenge of bringing this much-loved comedy to the stage.

Basil (Alex Wilson) and Polly (Catherine Morgan)
have problems with troublesome guest 
Mr Hutchinson (Nathan Hodge)

The set was half-finished and slowly taking shape, the cast were in character and suitably attired, and director Jes Hynes was a little preoccupied with making the stuffed moose head that is vital to one of the scenes. It's worth pointing out that this is Jes's first time as director - he's appeared onstage in countless Playgoers productions - and he seems to be relishing his new role.

Sybil (Nicky Davies) chats on the phone whilst
Polly (Catherine Morgan) looks on

The production will feature three of the show's best episodes - 'The Hotel Inspectors', 'Communication Problems' and 'The Germans' in which Basil famously tells everyone "don't mention the war". It looks set to be a great night out at the theatre, so book your tickets now by phoning 01633 263670 or book online at http://www.dolmantheatre.co.uk/.