New adaptation of stage and screen classic 12 Angry Men

New play 12, an adaptation of the Reginald Rose classic 12 Angry Men, premieres at the Lantern Theatre this week. Walton-based playwright Shaun Fagan, who also stars as the foreman of the jury in 12, is a member of YEP, the Everyman and Playhouse youth theatre. His re-imagined version tells the story of a 17 year old accused with the murder of his father.  Twelve random strangers are assigned to carefully deliberate over the evidence of the entire case, so that they can pass a verdict of guilty or not guilty. “However this case isn’t as open and shut as it may first appear,” Shaun says. “These men have been made painfully aware that they have to convict this boy beyond any reasonable doubt. Tempers flare and the blood boils as the jury examine the case. 12 explores modern day prejudices set against the backdrop of a claustrophobic jury room.” Presented by new film and theatre production company 19 Furlongs and directed by Matt Shiel, Shaun adds: “With Matt directing  and the talented actors that we have got in this play, then I cannot see how we could fail to pay homage to the iconic 12 Angry  Men.” You can catch 12 at the Lantern this Thursday and Friday (August 23 & 2⁴⁾ at 7:30pm. Tickets are £6 and £4 for concessions. For more information visit  www.thelanterntheatre.co.uk.