Trial of Penn and Mead, Minstead Village Hall

SEVENTY seven performances later and still going strong, Nigel Pasco QC has performed his one-man play, The Trial of Penn and Mead, in America, New Zealand, the Edinburgh Fringe and the Royal Courts of Justice.

Penn and Mead were two Quakers who were charged with holding an "unlawful, seditious and riotous assembly" when all they had done was lead a service of prayer in the street.

The judge didn't agree with the jury's verdict so he sent them away to think about it without any meat, drink, fire, tobacco or even a chamber pot. The jury didn't falter in the decision and their actions ensure that today we have an independent jury.

A one-man show is tough, but this tale was delivered with passion, style and eloquence that captivated the audience.