A retired Langley barrister by the name of Robbie Burns is using his almost five-decade career in litigation to help bring a thrilling courtroom drama to life on the stage of Theatre in the Country early next month.
Burns, who turns 80 in a couple weeks, is playing Mayhew, a by-the-book defence attorney in Agatha Christie’s “Witness for the Prosecution,” which will run April 2 to 19.
"I have to say, as I get older, it's not getting any easier learning my lines."
But for him, "the chance to act as a lawyer in 'Witness for the Prosecution,' rather than be one, seemed like fun," Burns said of his reasons for auditioning for this production.
"I would have been happy to play any of the lawyer roles, as well as the role of judge," he added, noting he and his character of Mayhew are similar in that they both want the best for their client. But the similarities, for the most part, end there.
Burns has been involved in community theatre since 2010, and acted in five other Theatre in the Country productions. He also helps out where possible in set building.
He speaks highly of the experience.
"There is some very good acting in the show, and a surprise ending. And where else can you go for a nice dinner and a show?" Burns said.
“Get ready for an evening of intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists in this… spellbinding courtroom drama promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats with its gripping plot and masterful storytelling,” interjected the theatre’s artistic director Reg Parks.
“Set in the heart of a thrilling legal battle, ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ follows Leonard Vole, a man accused of murder, as he fights for his life in a courtroom fraught with deception and shocking revelations. As the case unfolds, the audience is drawn into a web of doubt, betrayal, and a final twist that will leave everyone speechless,” explained Parks.
“It is said to be Christie’s favourite play of her own.”
Theatre in the Country will be showcasig the talent of local actors who bring Christie’s characters to life, Parks noted. This time out, in addition to Burns there are a number of other Langley residents involved with the show, both on and off stage.
For instance, it features on stage, Soora Aramideh, who takes on a small but “vital role” as a court functionary, said Parks.
Then behind the stage, South Langley’s Amber Schneider returns the stage manager for this show. She held a similar role in Theatre in the Country’s presentation of “The Da Vinci Code” earlier this year, and been involved backstage with the company for a number of years.
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Schneider is also joined in the crew by another Langley resident, Calla Westmacott, who's serving as the assistant stage manager.
"Under the direction of skilled theatre professionals, the cast delivers an electrifying experience, making this production a must-see for mystery lovers and theatre enthusiasts alike," Parks insisted.
Theatre in the Country offers both dinner theatre and theatre-only ticket options. Tickets are available at theatreinthecountry.com or by calling the box office at 604-259-9737. The shows run Wednesdays to Saturday in the evenings, with dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the show at 7:30. There are also expected to be theatre-only Saturday matinees at 1:30 p.m. during the run.
