Forever Trial & Error, Old Bailey
Wednesday 15th March 2017
Raising money for the Sherrifs and Recorders Fund since 2014, the Hams of the Old Bailey (including some very senior judicial and clerical ones) come together for three nights once in a while in the famous Court No.1 (scene of Dr. Crippens trial and so many others) for a semi-costumed evening of judicial humour and music - devised by HH Judge Peter Rook QC and performed this time by Colin Sell (of I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue) on the keyboard. This was my first time and the format was basically the re-enactment of some of the most amusing/serious/significant cases heard in the Old Bailey. Each was introduced by Sally Smith and seemed to concentrate on the cases heard by Edward Marshall Hall, QC, one of the greatest councils of late Victorian and early 20th Century England. Running concurrently (no interval) for about 1h 45., we were seated in the gallery as the experienced members from earlier years made good their ususal seats! No matter, we had a good view and could certainly see enough when our own Fiona Adler (see photo of her with the Rt Rev Graeme Knowles!) made a surprise entrance as a Madame! It was all good fun and over too soon. At its conclusion, Peter Snow drew a raffle - programmes had unique numbers acting as tickets. As every last seat was filled and was, I imagine, on the other nights, I hope a goodly sum was raised for the fund.
