Justice! Trial & Error

Since 2014 each year for 5 evenings in March, Court No 1 is converted into a theatre. Judges and barristers take to the stage in a satirical revue made up of vignettes and songs about trials, many of which took place at the Old Bailey over the last 4 centuries. The cast is drawn from the Bench, the Bar, and the City as well as a sprinkling of professionals.

In March 2026 “Trial & Error” returns with Justice! Trial & Error, an evening of music and entertainment revolving around the theme of past trials of dubious justice. The show does not shy away from controversies both of the time and their resonance with the issues of today. No one is safe from the satirist’s pen.

The evening’s purpose is serious even when the tone is not. All proceeds support three organisations working where law meets life. All proceeds support the Sheriffs’ & Recorder’s Fund which raises much needed funds for the rehabilitation of prison-leavers, the MamaSuze Community Interest Company which uses the creative arts to support women survivors of displacement and abuse, and the Schools Consent Project which provides legal education about the meaning of consent to workshops of 6^th formers. Recommended entertainment for all. Children must be 14 years or older. Running time approx. 1.5 hours

Order! (But not too much)

Security screening is in operation at the Old Bailey; Photography inside the Court room is not permitted; applause, on the other hand, is strongly admissible.

At Justice? Trial & Error, we promise a highly entertaining evening. The journalist Valerie Grove described the show as “knocking the West End into a cocked hat.” Come and judge for yourselves.

Ticket Types

Tickets are available as Standard (Court room), Premium (Jury Box, Defendants’ Dock, Counsels’ Table) and Public Gallery (Overview from above)

Seat Selection

The ticket tailor booking process allows you to select your own reserved seats. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE SINGLE EMPTY MID-ROW SPACES but close up! Shows will be sold out and most guests are couples; leaving a single space will deny others from sitting together

Key Event Details

• Venue: Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), Court No. 1
• Evenings enjoy a Drinks Reception in the Grand Hall
• Format: Theatrical Revue with music. Directed by Barristers Siward Atkins KC and Edlyn Livesey. Musical Director, the BBC's  Colin Sell. Producer HH Peter Rook KC
• Running time: ~1.5 hours.

Security & Access

Please bring a valid form of photo ID and copy of your ticket QR code or be able to display your QR code to security on the night.