Justifying War - Scenes from the Hutton Enquiry till 29 November

Justifying War - Scenes from the Hutton Inquiry
By Richard Norton-Taylor
Tricycle Theatre, London Tkts: 020 7328 1000
Running time 2hrs 40 minutes
Review: Heather Neill, 11 November 2003

Reality and illusion: an important reminder that democracy is in our hands.
This is not, of course, a play in the usual sense. There are no surprises - every word spoken is on record - there can be no character development or climax. Yet, despite being occasionally difficult to follow, Justifying War is riveting in its revelations about human behaviour and the workings of our democracy.

If this is the Hutton Inquiry re-enacted (albeit substantially edited), does that give the audience the role of court-room spectators? James Woolley as Lord Hutton invites those present to stand for a minute's silence in memory of Dr Kelly and all but a few (who presumably do not want to confuse theatre with 'life') feel constrained to stand. It is clear that we are implicated, that the Hutton Inquiry is not a mere political side-show.

Every witness at the Inquiry itself had a role to play, representing the Government or the BBC, choosing language carefully, justifying or covering motives. All except Mrs Kelly, whose testimony ends the piece on a moving, personal note as, unfalteringly, she describes her husband's slide into despair. This is the kind of material out of which a more conventional play would be made. Janice Kelly's photograph, repeated on screens previously used to display documents, dominates both stage and auditorium while her clear evidence resonates around the room.

Witnesses come for their moment in the spotlight. William Chubb as Andrew Gilligan seems far more relaxed and confident, never stumbling on a word, than one would expect. The careful hoarding of drinks receipts for expenses purposes contrasts with his inadequate memory of vital conversations and raises a laugh. David Michaels captures something of Alastair Campbell's arrogance. Kenneth Bryans as Geoff Hoon looks bleakly shifty, but the court bursts into florid life with the contribution of Roland Oliver as Andrew MacKinlay. This is a lively, often funny, interlude. McKinlay may have been harder to laugh at in real life: after Dr Kelly's death he received hate mail accusing him of bullying.

Notably absent among the witnesses is Tony Blair. Richard Norton-Taylor and director Nicholas Kent decided that any appearance by an actor in prime ministerial role would unbalance proceedings since it would be difficult to avoid caricature. Despite the obvious gap, this was probably the right decision.

Three times a week a discussion follows the performance. On the press night Richard Norton-Taylor and Tory MP Richard Shepherd joined the editor of The Guardian, Alan Rusbridger onstage. Shepherd is a fierce advocate of parliamentary democracy, as indeed is Andrew MacKinlay, who made an impassioned speech for more open government during his submission.

This dramatisation of the Hutton Inquiry reminds us that the health of our democracy is in our own hands; the leading players should never be able to proceed unquestioned behind closed doors.

Cast:
James Dingemans QC, Counsel to the Inquiry: Mark Penfold
Peter Knox, Junior Counsel to the Inquiry: Adam Barker
Patrick Lamb: Thomas Wheatley
Andrew Gilligan: William Chubb
Susan Watts: Sally Giles
Martin Howard: David Beames
Alastair Campbell: David Michaels
James Blitz: Thomas Wheatley
Andrew MacKinlay MP: Roland Oliver
Geoff Hoon MP: Kenneth Bryans
Gavyn Davies: David Fleeshman
Wing Commander John Clark: David Beames
Dr Brian Jones: William Hoyland
Mrs Janice Kelly: Sally Giles
Court officials: Michele Enright, Gwyn D Jenkins, Emily: Rothon, Nancy Satariano, Jenny Williams

Director: Nicholas Kent with Charlotte Westenra
Designer: Claire Spooner
Lighting: Johanna Town
Sound: Shaz McGee and Mike Thacker

2003-11-13 10:42:13