Twelve Angry Men returns to its roots as a stage play

Twelve Angry Men, the original movie is classic that just keeps giving with every repeat viewing.

It’s 1997 made-for-cable remake, however — in the tradition of too many modern adaptatios — fell woefully and pityfully short, despite acting big hitters Jack Lemmon, George C Scott and a young James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano). By half way through, I don’t mind admitting I was one angry woman.

So, Tom Conti be on notice. I’ll be watching you as you fill the shoes of Juror No8, a role that to date remains the personal property of Holywood’s own Henry Fonda, who also produced the 1957 movie.

Olivier Award winner, Tony Award winner and Oscar nominee, Scotland’s own Conti. is one of the most respected and celebrated actors of his generation — unforgettable as a leading man in hit films such as Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence and Shirley Valentine.

The play follows twelve jurors who have a boy’s life in their hands as they decide the fate of a young delinquent accused of killing his father.

But what appears to be an open and shut case soon becomes a dilemma for the twelve, as their prejudices and preconceptions about the accused, the trial and each other turn the tables every which way right to the end. It sits comfortably as a theatre piece as it was originally stage play before the film.

Theatre Royal Glasgow, Monday-Saturday, June 22-27.