January 23, 2024
It is now 10 years since the late Anthony Arlidge KC and HH Peter Rook KC first turned Court no 1 at the Old Bailey into a theatre for a few evenings in March.
This year, in a celebration marking 400 years of legal history, Court no 1 is set to host a spectacular fundraising show titled “State Trials & Error.” The vignettes and songs will revolve around the various ways the state has sought to intervene in trials. This will include scapegoating. The event will take place during evenings from Monday to Thursday, 18th to 21st March, with tickets also available to an open dress rehearsal on Sunday, 17th March, at 5.00 pm.
Devised by HH Peter Rook KC and directed by Ellis Sareen, the production promises an immersive experience in the world’s most famous courtroom, Court No.1. Sir Andrew Parmley and the BBC’s Colin Sell will serve as musical directors featuring a star-studded cast from the Bar, Judiciary, and the City.
Once again RLC’s David Etherington KC will take to the stage featuring in a number of the vignettes whilst a few professionals have joined this year’s cast including Zephryn Taite from “ Call the Midwife.” There is important fresh material written by academic historians, shedding light upon the Cato St Conspiracy and the first metropolitan magistrate Thomas De Veil whilst familiar figures like Christine Keeler and Stephen Ward make a reappearance in Court No.1.
The show, with proceeds shared among charitable causes, is set to benefit The Schools Consent Project, focusing on legal education in schools to reduce offending rates, The Sheriffs’ & Recorder’s Fund, aiding prison leavers, Pan Intercultural Arts supporting the vulnerable through arts for social change.
Attendees can choose from four evening performances starting at 6pm with a drinks reception in the Great Hall at 6:15 pm. The main performance in Court No.1 begins at 7pm concluding at 8:30pm. Reduced price tickets are available for the Open Dress on the Sunday.
RLC are pleased to continue sponsoring the event which is supported by Livery Companies, 5 other Barristers’ Chambers which are closely associated with the Old Bailey and The Criminal Bar Association.
Tickets for the show are priced at £70 each, with premium options for Dock & Jury Box available at £110 each. Rehearsal tickets are also offered at £40/£65 each.
Tickets are on sale now. Book here: [Ticket Bookings]
Flyer here: [State Trials and Error 2024 ]