LEGAL FICTIONS
by Sir John Mortimer

Savoy Theatre, Strand, London

Jason M Hadden
The last few years have seen something of a renaissance for the theatrical works of the author and former barrister Sir John Mortimer. This year brings ‘Legal Fictions’ to the Savoy Theatre in London – a double-hander of two short plays, ‘The Dock Brief’ and ‘Edwin’.

Originally, a dock brief was the name given to the old practice in the criminal courts whereby a judge would ask a lawyer, who just happened to be present in court, to appear without a fee for the accused. In Mortimer’s tale, Edward Fox plays hapless, ageing junior barrister Morganhill, who has been ‘selected’ to represent wife-murderer Fowle, delightfully underplayed by Nicholas Woodeson. The barrister sees this case as his opportunity to ignite his career, and to find the fame and fortune to which his education entitles him. We see Morganhill construct a number of elaborate and brilliant defences for his client while in the comfort and confines of his prison cell, only for his trial ?advocacy to be of a slightly different calibre. This makes for a delightful insight into the relationship between the two men and, in ?particular, the bond between counsel and client.

While somewhat dated, ‘The Dock Brief’ is beautifully executed, well-paced and full of delicacy and humour. It is as relevant now as it was when first performed in 1957.

In ‘Edwin’, we have a different legal conundrum. This time Fox plays Fennimore Truscott, a retired High Court judge, who spends all his time analysing and judging the nuances of life; be it from trying his dog for burying a bone, to fatherhood of his son Edwin. The play revolves around a delightful summer evening with his wife and neighbour; and, of course, we, the ‘members of the jury’ to whom most of his comments are directed. Ultimately, Truscott turns his attention towards his wife and her friendships or dalliances over the years with various neighbours, and he in turn faces his own nightmare of doubt, insincerity and lack of judgement.

While there are some delightful touches and nuances in ‘Edwin’, it appears somewhat lacking in comparison to ‘The Dock Brief’. That said, as two plays they are a delightful reminder of a by-gone age of innocence and understated ambition. A real treat for any aspiring advocate.


Jason M Hadden is a solicitor-advocate and presenter with BPP