A jury deliberates the fate of a young defendant accused of murder, facing a potential death sentence. As tensions rise and biases are revealed, the jurors confront their own prejudices and personal convictions. Highly Recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TWELVE ANGRY JURORS @ STAR OF THE SEA THEATRE @ MANLY 2025
In the realm of theatrical productions, very few plays do possess the enduring power and relevance of the TWELVE ANGRY MEN, Reginald Rose’s 1954 masterpiece, that won three Emmy Awards for the original live television broadcast. Absolute Perfection, this full cast version, has six female and six male jurors, reimagined as the TWELVE ANGRY JURORS, and is a triumph of storytelling, superb ensemble performance, and emotional depth.
This production, currently captivating audiences in Manly NSW, is nothing short of extraordinary, and is a riveting exploration of justice, prejudice, and the fragility of human judgment. From the moment the house-lights dim, and then all the jurors slowly file into the claustrophobic confines, of the jury deliberation room, the audience is thrust into a world where every word, gesture, and silence carries weight.
The set design is a character in itself, with the stark, oppressive room, that mirrors the tension simmering beneath the surface. The ineffective sluggish fan, and the long wooden table all contribute to an atmosphere that is both stifling and electrifying. The brilliance of this production lies in its ensemble cast, a group of performers who embody their roles with such authenticity and nuance that it feels less like a play, and so much more like an intimate window into the raw, unfiltered human condition.
Each juror is a fully realized individual, their personalities clashing and colliding in ways that are as unpredictable as they are compelling. The standout performance comes from the Juror #8, portrayed with a quiet, steely resolve that anchors the entire production. The Juror #8, is the lone dissenter at the outset, is the moral compass of the play, and this actor’s absolute ability to convey, both vulnerability and unwavering conviction is nothing short of fully mesmerizing. The calm, measured arguments are a counterpoint to the rising tempers all around them, and the way they slowly chip away at each others’ certainty, is a masterclass in subtlety.
Equally impressive is the Juror #3, whose explosive anger and deep-seated biases, make for a harrowing character arc. The actor’s portrayal is a tour de force, capturing the character’s descent from belligerent confidence to shattered vulnerability. The climactic moment, when their façade finally cracks, is so raw and so visceral, that the audience becomes breathless.
YES the remaining jurors are also remarkable, with each bringing a unique energy to the table. Juror #4’s cool rationality, Juror #10’s bigoted tirades, and Juror #5’s quiet empathy, are all rendered with such precision, that the deliberation room feels like a microcosm of society itself. The diversity of perspectives, both in terms of character and performance, is full testament to the strength of the storytelling, and the cast, and the director’s vision.
Speaking of clever direction, the fast pacing of this production is impeccable. The tension builds gradually, like a dry thunder storm gathering on the horizon, until the eruptions with moments of explosive confrontation. The use of silence, is particularly effective, with the clever pauses that speak volumes, and heighten all the emotional stakes. Also the clever dialogue tweaks etc, and in 2025 for tonight, Juror #7 now has her two tickets for HAMILTON.
The director’s decision to emphasize the physicality of the performances, thumping their fist on the table, or retreating into a corner, beautifully adds an extra layer of intensity, to the proceedings.
TWELVE ANGRY JURORS is so profoundly moving, with its timeless relevance. Questions are raised about empathy, race, justice, doubt, faith, certainty, injustice, prejudice, and the unlimited power of reasonable doubt, that are just as urgent today, as they were in 1954. TWELVE ANGRY JURORS forces us to confront our own biases, and consider the weight of our decisions, and not just in a courtroom, but in every aspect of our daily lives.
This production of TWELVE ANGRY JURORS is a gripping theatrical tour de force, a very thought-provoking, and emotionally charged experience, that lingers long after the final curtain call. Testament to the enduring power of live theatre, and a reminder of the importance of empathy, dialogue, and the courage to stand alone. Do not miss this quite extraordinary production, and without any doubt, one of the finest pieces of live theatre that you will see during this year.
Point Break Theatre Co presents TWELVE ANGRY JURORS,
By Arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical,
12 Angry Men, written by Reginald Rose, Sherman L. Sergel
” A timeless masterpiece that turns a simple verdict into a riveting moral battle” Chicago Tribune
“An electrifying study of human nature, bias, and the pursuit of truth in the jury room.” The Guardian
Only seven shows, from 27th March 2025 until 6th April 2025 at the Star of The Sea Theatre, MANLY.
Tickets Link = https://www.trybooking.com/CYREI
Directed by Paul Winchester
PG. Themes – Discussion of facts about a murder –
STARRING as THE TWELVE ANGRY JURORS –
Juror 1 = Branko Dijkstra
Juror 2 = Revelle Najar
Juror 3 = Des Harris
Juror 4 = David Allsopp
Juror 5 = Georgie Bonanno
Juror 6 = Alex Wright
Juror 7 = Trudi Ross
Juror 8 = Brendan McBride
Juror 9 = Aileen Beale
Juror 10 = Allira Jaques
Juror 11 = Aska Karem
Juror 12 = Bailey Parker
Guard = Tia–Brittany Murphy
Judge = uncredited VOICEOVER
THE CREATIVES –
Costume Design: Marisa Newnes
Lighting: Michael Arnott
Props / Set : Michael Haratzis
Flyer Design: Frantic Muse
Voice Over Recording: Simon Watts
Photography: Kirrily Sly
Director / Producer: Paul Winchester
Director / Producer: Paul Winchester
Star of the Sea Theatre, at Stella Maris College, at corner of Collingwood and Iluka Avenue, Manly NSW 2095.
