Rough Justice
Written by Terence Frisby
Directed by Marilyn Macdonald
17 – 22 March 1997
James Highwood, the host of a popular television program called ‘British Justice’, is on the stand at the Old Bailey, accused of murdering his mentally disabled child. He refuses his solicitor’s plea to obtain legal representation and conducts his own defense, admitting responsibility but pleading manslaughter. His claim that the jury alone is responsible for the verdict brings him into conflict with the judge, while his battle to have his intentions understood brings him into conflict with the prosecutor, a well known Catholic pro-lifer. There is also the question of whether Highwood actually killed his child after all. This adroitly written courtroom drama starred Diana Quick and Martin Shaw in London’s West End.
Cast
James Highwood – David Maun
Margaret Casely, QC – Pat Thornhill
Judge – Eric Crichton
Jean Highwood – Shelley Peters
Jeremy Ackroyd – Ian Macdonald
Dr Simon Kerr – David Hampton
Dr Hannah Radinski – Carol Butler
P.C. Ramsden – Michael Bate
Clerk of the Court – Gareth Hunt
Crew
Stage Manager and Set Design – Graham Peters
Set Construction and Crew – Graham Peters, Dave Birmingham, Michael Bate
Lighting – Mark Woodham
Properties – Gareth Hunt
Sound – Graham Frosdick, Keith Jarman
Assistant Stage Manager – Dot Hamlin
Wardrobe – Marjorie Sawyer, Carol Bramall