SIR,
I thought it might be of interest to the readers to have an account of last weekend at the Shire Hall in Monmouth.
Building works have progressed for quite some time and I know that many passers-by have wondered what was happening at the hall last weekend, well to quote Max Boyce – "I was there".
It was a busy time re-enacting the trial of John Frost in 1840, which took place in the court room of the Shire Hall. As part of the overall work the court room has had a refurbishment.
The trial has been arranged as a historic contribution to Monmouth and as part of the new audio and visual tourist attraction for the Shire Hall.
The filming was performed by actors and extras working for Blackbox Av. The show was directed and produced by Craig Spenceley, alongside Christian Bradshaw.
They were ably supported by a team of professionals (about a dozen of them) and around 20 extras.
The actors played the parts of the judge, prosecuting and defending counsels, the part of John Frost and a number of witnesses.
I was part of the jury, suitably dressed – on such a warm weekend – in waistcoat, thick jacket and a white cravat with lace on each end. Quite smart, but uncomfortably warm for the weather last Saturday and Sunday.
It was extremely interesting to be involved and everybody played their parts admirably, but it was good to finish at about 3pm on the Sunday.
The works on the Shire Hall should finish in the next few weeks and visitors should be able to enjoy the results of the actor's and extra's efforts in a few weeks, after the building works have been completed.
(Name and address supplied)