Righton Productions continues its run of shows in London with Conflict of Interest, which arrives at The Hen and Chickens Theatre this October after a well-received run at Sheffield Lantern Theatre this July. I sat down with Thomas Carruthers, producer, writer and performer, to find out more.

Can you tell me a little about your show and what audiences can expect?

Conflict of Interest is a brand new legal drama written and starring me [Thomas Carruthers], directed by Jazmine Sewsanker and starring a great ensemble of actors returning to the show after a very well-reviewed and successful run in Yorkshire earlier this year. 

The plot follows Arthur Carmichael and Mitchell Hargrieve, who run one of the most successful law practises in Philadelphia; however, when they take on the shocking case of Rita Lempkin, who openly admits that she murdered her real-estate mogul husband, Ralph, things grow tense. Complications grow further with the similarities the Lempkin case shares with that of Lucy Balsam, whom nine years ago Arthur got off when accused of murdering her own father before marrying. Also in the office is Talia Cooper, a young intern, who is being put at odds as a pawn in the endless power struggle shared by Arthur and Mitch.

Above all, people can expect a thrilling and claustrophobic night of real drama and twists – We even had audible gasps up north! 

What drew you to this specific story?

I have always idolised the repertory model and always been drawn to large ensembles. With the joy of having returning actors in your company to give them something the polar opposite from how your audience last saw them. But as any producer will tell you, it’s a lot harder and less sustainable. I have been immensely grateful that we have a company of five actors and our amazing Jazz Sewsanker as director in place and willing to bring this show to our Northern and London audience.

Why this play specifically? When I was very young, I took it upon myself to ruin many of the best film plot twists of all time by repeatedly leading my mum and dad into conversations about them. “What’s the best twist you’ve ever seen?” This was when I was too young to watch any of the films – and I was given a lot of leeway (Shining at 7 and Black Swan at 10, with the sex scenes fast-forwarded, spring to mind). This was when I first heard the immortal lines from the end of Primal Fear. When I finally watched the film, a hunger for legal dramas of all kinds grew. The pulp of Grisham films, the power and melancholy of The Verdict and of course the overwhelming entertainment of A Few Good Men. Pair all that with my love in all my writing for complex characters and power plays, and frankly a sexual element at the core, and the result was Conflict. Which had its first draft some four years ago and now has finally made its way to the stage.

What has been the biggest challenge in bringing this production to life?

Logistically, we wanted the strongest cast possible, and that led to a blend of northern and London performers, so that’s been a trouble. But in regard to the actual play, there has been a little of expectation shifting with our audience. We are very fortunate that over two years and four productions we have a returning audience at all! But they do love the comedies we’ve done prior, so it has been a journey over the running time, but to draw people into a drama that they might not first expect from us has been very encouraging and special. 

How does the design of your show (set, sound, or lighting) impact the presentation of your story?

The set is a very intentionally messy and cluttered law office, and we feel that heightens the claustrophobia of the piece. Especially moving into the smaller Hen and Chickens Theatre for this run. The play is also chaptered by a series of monologues in direct spotlight that give each character a vital moment without the interruption of the other characters. 

If you could sum up the show in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

In a word – Betrayals 

In a phrase (Well, our tagline) – Honesty is a tool 

Conflict of Interest runs at The Hen & Chickens Theatre 1 – 3 October 2026, with tickets available here: https://www.unrestrictedview.co.uk/events/conflict-of-interest