Lowther Pavilion
Chapman Studio Theatre · 19:30
/ 01
The story
A case that
changed Britain.
London, 1955. Ruth Ellis is about to become the last woman to be hanged in Britain.
A single mother working as a hostess in the West End's gentlemen's clubs, Ruth dreams of a film-star life. Instead, she becomes obsessed with David Blakely, a wealthy, womanising racing driver, and fame arrives in a way she never imagined.
When Ruth shoots David dead, it seems to be an open and shut case. But Detective Inspector Jack Gale can't shake the feeling that something doesn't add up. In a race against time, he re-examines her crime through the eyes of the three loyal friends who knew her best: cynical club manageress Sylvia Shaw, who has seen it all; Vickie Martin, an ambitious newcomer convinced the club is her ticket to fame and fortune; and Doris Judd, the club's charwoman, who never fully understands Ruth's world but stands by her regardless.
Why did Ruth offer no defence? And who was she trying to protect?
Five voices. One case. No easy answers.