The brutal murder of widow Emily French (Kim Cattrall) appears to have one suspect – Leonard Vole – a handsome young chancer who was also her lover and the man who was to inherit her vast wealth.
Untangling the truth about this is John Mayhew, a penniless solicitor (with a hacking cough thanks to his service in the First World War) who takes on what seems like a hopeless case…
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Why is he so moved by Vole’s plight? And who did kill poor Emily? Will Leonard’s’ innocence be proved by his wife, the enigmatic chorus girl Romaine?
There are questions aplenty but first let’s meet the main protagonists in chilling and involving drama The Witness for the Prosecution…
John Mayhew – Toby Jones
Who is John Mayhew?
A penniless solicitor down on his luck – he also has a hacking cough to make his life worse. His marriage is unhappy, his son has been killed in the First World War, and his life seems to be going nowhere. But then he chances upon young Leonard Vole, a man who claims he is innocent of the killing his lover, heiress Emily French, despite compelling evidence.
Who is Toby Jones?
One of the leading actors in Britain today he has played Alfred Hitchcock in the HBO film The Girl and dazzled comedy fans with his two-hander alongside Mackenzie Crook, Detectorists. Was nominated for a Bafta for his performance as Neil Baldwin in the much-loved BBC2 drama Marvellous.
Emily French – Kim Cattrall
Who is Emily French?
A rich and pampered society lady, advanced in years but still sexually voracious. She meets Leonard Vole when he is fired from his job – and she pays him for sex. But not long after she is found bludgeoned to death in her font room, her cat licking at her blood. What happened to her?
Who is Kim Cattrall?
Best known for playing maneater Samantha Jones in Sex and the City, has most recently been seen starring in another HBO drama Sensitive Skin.
Leonard Vole – Billy Howle
Who is Leonard Vole?
A First World War veteran and the lover of the murder victim Emily French. The evidence points to his guilt – but surely it’s not so simple?
Who is Billy Howle?
You may have seen the young actor as Young Tony Webster in Brit flick The Sense Of An Ending or as the Young Laurie Lee in the BBC’s adaptation of Cider With Rosie.
Romaine Heilger – Andrea Riseborough
Who is Romaine Heilger?
A revue dancer and Leonard’s Common-Law Wife, her Austrian heritage makes her an unpopular figure in 1920s London so soon after the War. Vole’s case also puts the media spotlight on her. At first she stands by her man when he is charged with murder, but events take a twist after that. And a few twists after that too…
Who is Andrea Riseborough?
The star of Bloodline was recently seen delivering a dazzling performance as the troubled daughter Dee in Channel 4’s Operation Yetwree-inspired drama National Treasure. Also had a brilliant cameo in the Oscar winning film Birdman.
Janet McIntyre – Monica Dolan
Who is Janet McIntyre
Emily French’s devoted servant, she seems to care about her mistress to an extreme degree. She also hated Vole – regarding him as bad news. But did she have a role in the death of Emily?
Who is Monica Dolan?
Has enjoyed big roles in the dramas Appropriate Adult, Eye in the Sky and The Casual Vacancy.
Sir Charles Carter – David Haig
Who is Sir Charles Carter?
Vole’s smoothy-chops barrister, he is only prepared to take on the case when he hears about the enormous wealth of the victim. The media attention (and the cheque) is likely to be heavy. A smart operator in the courtroom – but does he really understand what actually went on?
Who is David Haig?
The star of TV comedy The Thick of It and TV dramas Mo and My Boy Jack is also known for playing the hapless Bernard in the Richard Curtis classic Four Weddings and a Funeral.
from Radio Times https://ift.tt/2lbdOsJ
