THE THRILL OF LOVE
By Amanda Whittington
A divorcee with a young child, Ruth works in the kind of nightclubs where there's more than just a drink on offer. The girls work hard, play hard and dream of a movie-star life. Then she meets the wealthy, womanising David, a racing driver with whom she becomes obessed. Fame comes - but not in the way she imagines.
Why does their relationship end in murder? Why does she plead not guilty but offer no defence? Why does she show no remorse? And who is she trying to protect?
The Thrill of Love dramatises the true story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain, and takes a fresh look at the woman behind the headlines.
November 2015
Hatfield Chapel, Durham
OUR PRODUCTION
2015 marked the 60-year anniversary of Ruth Ellis’ execution, and I found it fascinating how her story could still feel relevant and capture the imagination and attention of the public. I felt Amanda Whittington’s angle on the story focused more on presenting the facts in an attempt to find justice for Ruth, portraying her as the vulnerable and suffering women she was, rather than the cold and heartless murderer presented in the media. The play bypasses the façade the media wanted the public to see and explores Ruth as a woman, an actual human being, with impulses and motivations.
Staging the show in a chapel meant we were playing with ideas of judgement juxtaposed with the need for intercession and mercy.
Olivia Race, Director
"The raw depiction of emotion and insight into such a harrowing situation was overwhelming."
(Palatinate Stage: full article)
"Director Olivia Race and her team should be congratulated for achieving such a compelling and subtle retelling of [Ruth Ellis'] story."
(First Night: full article)
"Front Room Productions have managed to put on a performance that immerses you completely ... I heartily recommend it."
(The Bubble: full article)
CAST & CREATIVES
CREATIVE TEAM
Director - Olivia Race
Assistant Director - Phea Eades-Jones
Producer - Henry Winlow
Producer - Genevieve Burns
Producer / Costume, Hair & Make-up - Danielle Oliver
Techinal Director - Nathan Chatelier
THE CAST
Ruth Ellis - Eliza Cummings-Cove
Jack Gale - Harvey Comerford
Syliva Shaw - Clemmie Medforth
Vickie Martin - Shona Graham
Doris Judd - Georgie Franklin