THE world stage premiere of Barry Reed’s The Verdict, starring Clive Mantle, Jack Shepherd and Richard Walsh, comes to Salisbury Playhouse for one week only from Monday 6 to Saturday 11 March.

This stunning courtroom thriller was made famous by the five times Oscar-nominated Sidney Lumet film with Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling and James Mason.

Frank Galvin is a washed up veteran lawyer and an alcoholic. He is presented with one last chance to redeem himself when he is given an open-and-shut medical malpractice case that no one thinks he can win. Up against the unforgiving medical establishment and the all-powerful Catholic Church, he courageously refuses an out of court settlement and instead takes the case and the entire legal system to court.

Clive Mantle has been a household favourite for over three decades, with regular roles in the hit television series Robin of Sherwood, The Vicar of Dibley, Mount Pleasant, White Van Man, Game of Thrones and as Dr Mike Barratt in both Casualty and Holby City.

Jack Shepherd is one of our most celebrated actors and has a distinguished career in theatre, television and film spanning over fifty years. His awards include an Olivier Award, a Plays and Players London Critics’ Award, and a Time Out Award. He is probably best known for his portrayal of Detective Superintendent Charles Wycliffe in the hugely popular television series Wycliffe.

The cast also includes Richard Walsh (London's Burning), Peter Harding, Cassie Bancroft, Tom Roberts (Emmerdale / 2point4 Children), Veronica Quilligan, Okon Jones, Michael Lunney, Nuala Walsh, Eugenia Caruso, Jog Maher, Marcus Knibbs and Hannah Timms.

The Verdict is adapted by Margaret May Hobbs and designed and directed by Michael Lunney.

It runs at Salisbury Playhouse from Monday 6 to Saturday 11 March. Suitable for those aged 12 years and over. For tickets or more information please contact the Ticket Office on 01722 320333 or visit www.salisburyplayhouse.com.