The Evidence Chamber

About

There’s been a murder. The police have a suspect but the evidence doesn’t paint a clear picture.

In an online jury deliberation room, you watch the testimonies, scrutinise the evidence, discuss with your fellow jurors – and reach your verdict. The decision you make will change someone’s life: what verdict will you choose?

If you’re a fan of crime fiction or true crime, this is the show for you. The Evidence Chamber is a collaboration between forensic scientists at the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science and digital story studio Fast Familiar.

Content Warning: The Evidence Chamber contains strong language and a reference to domestic violence.

Instructions

If you would like to organise a session of The Evidence Chamber please get in touch. 

The Evidence Chamber involves twelve (English system) or fifteen (Scottish system) players who make up a jury that must review documents and audio and video evidence to reach a verdict on a murder case which hinges on two types of forensic evidence: gait analysis and DNA.

The audience watches ‘testimonies’ from characters involved and expert witnesses. Their decision-making process is supported by explanatory materials about forensic evidence. The experience is structured to measure the impact of these materials: the bespoke control system logs anonymised data on each juror’s decision-making process. A post-verdict debrief allows audiences to deepen their understanding of forensic processes and criminal justice procedures.

Critical coverage

“An especially successful way for theater to be enjoyed from a laptop.” - New York Times

“An enlightening experience.” - BBC Scotland

“Guilty of greatness - The Evidence Chamber uses masterful storytelling, excellent production value, and a slick, user-friendly custom interface to create a believable and immersive environment for its players.” - No Proscenium

“Tremendously entertaining as well as a fascinating insight into how trials work.” - The Courier

“The 2020 theatre awards ceremonies have largely been cancelled … But, if prizes are given for lockdown drama, Fast Familiar should get a trophy for The Evidence Chamber and Smoking Gun – enjoyable but also scholarly entertainments. This is a company to watch, whether digitally or, when it again becomes possible, in person.” - Mark Lawson, The Tablet

Past dates

Cast and creative team