Vardy v Rooney

Putting in the Boot

Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial

by Liv Hennessy

Putney Theatre Company at the Putney Arts Theatre until 18^th October

Review by Heather Moulson

I was, as my footie f(r)iends say, “Over the moon” to go along to Putney Arts to see the endlessly versatile resident company’s take on a trial that itself became a piece of theatre, in spite of feeling a bit apprehensive about a production based on a court case that was relentlessly covered by the media at the time.

However, the blow was softened seeing an open set of a courtroom overlaid with hushed green lighting and the soundtrack of a football match. This was all very encouraging and I was ready to put on my strip. But for which side?

The first Act, in the presence of Coleen Rooney, two teams of legal representation and Mrs Justice Steyn, Rebekah Vardy was put in the spotlight and cross-examined ruthlessly. At first Vardy seemed reticent, but came to life as the frantic WhatsApps and texts were relayed to PR girl Caroline Watt.

Setting the drama to the right pace, Dina Fahmy playing Vardy threw herself into the role. The easy arrogance of Watt was convincingly played by Kelsey Norris, in a slinky performance with all the right body language.

This drama was elevated and carried along by two soccer pundits, Jeff and Jem. In a humorous Match of the Day commentary, they reported proceedings accordingly. At one point, Jeff, played by Hubert MacGreevy, became a convincing Wayne Rooney in the witness stand.

Slightly self-conscious in her ‘WAG’ outfit, Hannah Turner excelled in the role of Coleen Rooney. Roshaan Saulnier’s Jem was vibrant and ironically funny, with highly watchable stage presence. The two worked skilfully with their onstage chemistry.

The first Act worked at a better pace than the second. Despite Rooney’s captivating verbal performance in the spotlight, the second act slowed down before it led to the only conclusion it could. The verdict from Mrs Justice Steyn was a fitting end to Hennessy’s witty and relevant piece of writing. The judge was played by a different guest star every performance so it’s a pity I can’t credit them all!

The two barristers David Sherborne and Hugh Tomlinson KC exhibited a good combination of judical efficiency. Played by Russell Hughes and Roger Blitz respectively, each were seemingly overpowered and overwhelmed by Coleen’s verbal onslaught.

Directed in great detail by Owen Thomas James, who also designed the effective sound, this was a polished production on a complex account of true events. The set and costumes were designed with care by Simon Crump. The sensitive lighting was designed by Martin Jessop. Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial proved to be another noteworthy play by the Putney Theatre Company, which should surely promote its team up the league tables.

Heather Moulson, October 2025

Photography by Colin Rogal