The Harrogate Advertiser - 27.4.91

Theatre goers have lavished praise on Harrogate Dramatic Society after the opening this week of their latest production, Jeffrey Archer's Beyond Reasonable Doubt.
The play, a West End hit, is being presented in the town for the first time and continues tonight, Saturday afternoon and evening.
As the curtain came down on Wednesday's performance, delighted members of the audience admitted that some of the scenes nearly moved them to tears. And there were audible gasps of praise as the second act revealed a magnificent drawing room set, comparible to any professional production.
For those who have not seen Beyond Reasonable Doubt, the actual storyline might come as somewhat of a suprise.
Acclaimed barrister Sir David Metcalfe stands accused of murdering his wife and thought there is plenty of drama, an unusual love story and twist at the end also unfolds.
Director Frank Moorby went to great pains to bring authenticity to the Old Bailey Trial, which takes up the first half, before the flashback to what really happened. He not only attended a murder case at York, but had a private meeting too with a judge.
His efforts obviously paid off. As Sir David stands accused, the cross examination is very believable and prosecutor Anthony Blair-Booth is excellently played by Alan Harwood who adds all the touches, such as taking off his glasses and adjusting his gown.
It is Derek Newton as Sir David and Jenny Antram as his wife who really star, however. They work so well together that it is easy to forget that you are watching a play, and it's even more difficult to believe they are amateurs.
Inge Little is also perfect as the house-keeper who thinks she witnesses a murder - or does she?
Undoubtedly another unqualified hit for the Dramatic Society.