The Incident Room

Portraying real events and individuals is challenging, as the storyline must accurately reflect true occurrences. Back projection effectively informed the audience about the location, timings, and the identity of victims and the set convincingly depicted a busy, noisy office with evidence boxes stacked throughout the room. All of this was accomplished through the dedication and inspiring leadership of directors Sue Jennings and Tracey Briggs.

The production featured a cast of nineteen actors assuming a range of roles, including police officers, support staff, reporters, and a survivor of one of Sutcliffe’s attacks. The actors delivered excellent performances that closely reflected the real individuals they portrayed.

“The Incident Room” chronicles the extensive and challenging efforts undertaken by the West Yorkshire Police to apprehend the individual known as the “Yorkshire Ripper”. Over five years he committed more than twenty offences against women across West Yorkshire and Manchester, twelve of whom were brutally murdered. The police faced significant criticism for their inability to capture the perpetrator, particularly from the press which repeatedly called for increased efforts. Numerous interviews and misleading leads - including written statements and tape recordings falsely confessing to the crimes - misdirected the investigation, especially impacting George Oldfield, the officer leading the case.   

The perpetrator, Peter William Sutcliffe, was interviewed by police on more than one occasion, but an officer’s suspicions were dismissed by his superiors. Sutcliffe was finally arrested in Sheffield for driving with false number plates. The impact of the five-year investigation took its toll on George Oldfield’s health and affected his attitude toward his team, who had worked tirelessly to solve the crime. He was eventually removed from the case.

Neil Mather delivered a highly professional outstanding  and compelling portrayal of George Oldfield, capturing both his dialogue and interactions with colleagues in ways that matched the accounts from the newspapers and TV footage. Similarly, Frank Bardsley was superb as Dick Holland, Oldfield’s second-in-command, and convincingly brought this character to life. Lucas Gunson gave an outstanding performance as Detective Sergeant Andrew Laptew, whose investigative skills nearly led to a breakthrough in the case before his efforts were dismissed. When two murders occurred in Manchester following the same pattern, the Manchester Police became involved and sent Jack Ridgway, who attempted to take over the investigation creating significant tension within the team. Lee Sanderson’s portrayal of Ridgway was flawless.

In a predominantly male workplace where policewomen were often discouraged from participating in investigations and expressing their views, Yasmin-Jade Angove-Middleton gave an excellent performance as Megan Winterburn, a resolute officer who challenged these established norms. Notably, the narrative also included a female officer among the survivors of Sutcliffe's attacks. Maureen Long described the significant physical and mental changes in her life and Marie Simmonite’s performance had the necessary impact and was very moving.

Given the severity and effect of the crimes committed, it was essential for the press to keep the public informed. Pamela Abrahams delivered a commendable performance as lead reporter Tish Morgan, consistently posing challenging questions to the police.

Utilizing back-projection and voice-overs, television reporters, played by Michael Hague-Flint, Greg Muscroft, and Mark Hage-Flint, ensured that their viewers remained updated on developments.

Within the police force and support team, Sandra Norburn delivered a confident portrayal of Sylvia Swanson, with Alice Teather-Rhodes and Jack Beesley giving excellent characterisation as Police Officers. Mark Kilburn-Stones played Jim Hobson and Elliot Cable was Terence Hawkshaw and Clare Haynes, Claire Martin, James Wilson and Kim Baker rounded out a strong supporting cast.

This production was excellent, with strong direction and performances from the entire cast, supported by a skilled technical and backstage team. Although there were lighting issues on the night I attended, the actors handled it well – a brilliant job all round.

Thank you for inviting me to this engaging and powerful play.

Sue Cox   - Drama Rep Region 14

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