This is Your Trial (PG)

What happens in the show?

Judge Will Seaward brings audience members to court after their own family accuse them of horrendous crimes – the people they thought they could trust. Today a youth worker accused his girlfriend of torturing him, by making him walk over 10 miles (which he then corrected to over 3,000 miles, from Manchester to Lisbon). A big sister accused her little brother of public indecency (he screamed he had a "traffic jam" while on the toilet, apparently to the whole of Dunfermline). Later, his grandfather also accused him of stealing sweets. The boy was found guilty both times. Defending the accused today was Christian Talbot, and for the prosecution was Howard Read, who I hardly recognised as he was wearing a wig and glasses. Once the cases had been argued the audience made the final decisions: guilty or not guilty.

Describe the show in five words

 
Courtroom drama becomes improvised comedy.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

 
I didn't really have a favourite because they all worked together so well and improvised the trial. But I guess the judge because he always kept the energy up with his slightly insane personality and booming voice.  

What did you like most about the show? 

 
Will Seaward, Howard Read and Christian Talbot could think on their feet. When the grandfather accused his grandson of stealing sweets, Christian tried to prove the boy was innocent using the marshmallow test. But it failed miserably because the boy could not control his needs, and it forced Christian to give up. 

What didn’t you like?

 
Although the comedians are quick thinkers the audience aren't. As it relies on audience participation it can go horribly wrong. But luckily on the day I saw it nobody was too nervous. 

What did your grown-up think? 

Dad has been ill all week and the laughs did him good. He said it was the third best show he'd seen all Fringe. 

Would you tell your friends to come and see it?   

Yes, if I got to go with them because when you're with friends you know each others' secrets. This Is Your Trial would be great at a party.