By tf-lawyer.com In an exclusive interview, we delve into the infamous 1967 trial of Keith Richards and Mick Jagger—a pivotal event in rock history that ignited national debates between youth culture and the establishment. Yet, beyond the sensational coverage, playwright Charlotte Jones offers a more intricate narrative.
Jones’ examination of the Redlands bust and subsequent trial brings an often-overlooked figure into the spotlight: Michael Havers, the defense attorney for Jagger and Richards. Havers wasn’t your typical barrister. Unlike John Mortimer, who famously championed countercultural icons against the establishment, Havers was a representative of the establishment himself. He was a member of the exclusive Garrick Club, a former Conservative MP, and later became lord chancellor under Margaret Thatcher. “When I learned that Michael Havers’ son is Nigel Havers, a well-known actor, I saw a fascinating father-son story interwoven with the larger narrative of rebellion embodied by the Rolling Stones,” Jones shares.
**The Ripple Effect of Redlands: Marianne Faithfull’s Journey**
Amid the legal turmoil, Marianne Faithfull emerged as a tragic figure. Although she wasn’t on trial, her life took a downward spiral following the events at Redlands. Jones recounts a moving visit with Faithfull in Paris, where she voiced her resentment over the impact the incident had on her life. “Marianne felt that Redlands completely ruined her. The tabloids labeled her ‘Miss X,’ stripping her of agency at a time when she needed it most,” Jones explains. “She was grateful to have someone willing to listen to her side of the story. Despite her struggles, she embraced Nigel as ‘like my little brother,’ highlighting the unexpected camaraderie that formed amidst the chaos.”
As rehearsals for the play “Redlands” unfold, Jones is keen to stress that the production transcends a mere courtroom drama. “We aimed to weave in music and humor. The audience deserves a lively depiction of the characters beyond the sensational headlines,” she asserts.
Director Justin Audibert emphasizes the necessity of showcasing the foundation of the Stones’ music: “It was critical to reflect their genuine love for R&B and blues—elements that defined them, going beyond just the sensationalized narratives.”
**Navigating Public Personas**
Jones and Audibert face the challenge of portraying Jagger and Richards—two cultural icons burdened by nearly caricatured public images. Richards once noted that the trial transformed him into a folk hero, a title he has embraced ever since. “Our objective is to capture their true essence without falling into simple mimicry. We want the audience to connect with their humanity during such turbulent times,” Audibert explains.
As the story of the Redlands trial unfolds, it becomes evident that its mythologizing started almost immediately. The Stones’ release of “We Love You” after the trial and other subsequent artworks enshrined the event as a youth counterculture victory. However, deeper exploration reveals a complex relationship with public sentiment, as many young people at the time felt that Jagger and Richards deserved jail time.
“The real divisions ran through the British establishment itself—a clash of values rather than a straightforward generational conflict,” Jones remarks. “The context is multifaceted and imperfect, much like life itself. Our production fosters compassion and understanding among diverse perspectives, illustrating how moments of rebellion can resonate on a personal level.”
“Redlands” will be staged at the Chichester Festival Theatre from September 20 to October 18, promising not only a retelling of history but also an exploration of its enduring impact.
