After dinner theatre comes to Musselburgh's Brunton Theatre and you could be on the jury of interactive court room drama

SUPPER theatre comes to The Brunton in Musselburgh this weekend, but not just supper theatre, lunch theatre too, in the form of the five-star hit production, Silence In Court.
Silence In CourtSilence In Court
Silence In Court

On Saturday 14 March, at 12 noon and again at 6pm, The Brunton offers theatre-goers a unique opportunity to enjoy good food, a refreshment and an exciting hour of interactive theatre when, having enjoyed their meal, Silence In Court will see 13 audience members selected for jury service - the remainder will form the public gallery.

Inspired by the classic 70’s TV series Crown Court, Saturday’s case is The Crown v Charles Brand. Charles Brand, a minister’s son has been charged with the rape of Jennifer Lyons.

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As the events leading up to the alleged assault are explored, who will the jury believe? Following instructions from the judge, the final decision will be theirs.

An interactive court room fiction that draws on real life procedures from a number of different legal traditions, the play creates a mock court environment which caused one reviewer to observe: ‘The jury is so engrossed in a heated passion as they debate their verdict that some of them forget it is not real.’ Throughout the play, the jury may take notes, must debate what they have heard and, in an unorthodox twist, they are given the opportunity to cross examine the complainer and the accused.

Those not on the jury also have an opportunity to voice their opinions.

Now in it’s tenth year, Silence In Court, the original interactive court-room show and has played numerous sell-out Fringe seasons. Having started life at Kitsch Cafe, Leith, the Tenth Anniversary production reunites three of the original cast. Edward Cory, Arron Usher and Ali MacDougall, reprise their respective roles as The Judge, Callum Paterson and Charles Brand.

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They are joined by Kerry Hamilton as Rona Dalbeith, Amy Fraser as Jennifer Lyons, and Derek Douglas as The Usher.

On Saturday, meals will be served by The Bistro at The Brunton before the audience move to the ‘Court Room’ aka Venue 2.

The lunch menu consists of roasted cherry tomato soup with traditional sandwiches, followed by tea or coffee.

The two-course supper menu offers a choice between, herb crusted salmon fillet with Mediterranean vegetable rosti, stuffed mussels, roasted red pepper and tomato coulis, or pan fried pork tenderlion with Thistly Cross apple cider and paprika sauce, minted new potatoes and wilted greens. Or perhaps honey roasted butternut and wild mushroom risotto with lemon and pecorino is more to your taste.

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For dessert choose from almond and apricot tart with fresh cream, or profiteroles with chocolate sauce and fresh cream, or a selection of British fine cheese Wensleydale, Stilton, Scottish Blue and Mature Cheddar with spiced plum chutney and oatcakes.

Silence In Court, Brunton, Musselburgh, Saturday 14 March, 12 noon lunch, £23/6pm supper, £33, both include meal and show, from www.thebrunton.co.uk/en-GB/shows/silence%20in%20court/events

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