The Thrill Of Love

This play tells the story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain. Much of the action is shown through the eyes of Detective Jack Gale. The front of the theatre auditorium was arranged with patrons seated at tables and chairs nightclub style and this created character to the set. The set itself was quite simple and consisted of steps in the centre leading to entrances and exits to the left and the right. To the left of the stage the audience saw The Court Club and to the right The Little Club with an impressive fold out sign.

Sarah Ellen-Young, as Ruth Ellis, was a strong, sometimes enigmatic actor in this major role. She changed from sweetness to pleading to hysterics as the role dictated and interpreted the changing face and circumstances of Ruth in inimitable style.

Will Parrick, as Detective Inspector Jack Dale, looked and played the role of the amiable detective, re-examining the facts of the case and the sequence of events. He is capable of great emotion but holds this in check, just occasionally venting his frustration when the facts appear incomplete. Will was excellent in this role which really held the action together.

Charlotte Still, as Doris Judd the nightclub cleaner, was absolutely delightful and possibly the only “normal”person in the play .She had some excellent facial expressions and injected some humour to the role.

Jo Simons, as Sylvia Shaw ,the owner of The Court Club, was hard and tough when dealing with the girls in the nightclub but showed a surprising tender and caring side when confronted with the murder. She was a very strong character prone to some hysterical outbursts with the other characters.

Jazz Ely, as Vicky Martin, the newest employee of the nightclub, played a naive young girl who dreamt of fame and money but was killed in a car crash in Act One. She reappeared in Act 2 rather bizarrely as the court judge. Quite a change of role but Vicki managed this well.

All five characters appeared word perfect and bought great depth and skill to their roles.

There was lots of expression and good interaction between the actors. Well done to you all!

Costumes were all very appropriate and lighting and sound were both both good and appropriate both for the play and for the size of the theatre.

Stage Manager, Jonathan Abbott ensured that backstage action was on cue and appeared seamless.

This was a very enjoyable and compelling production both on stage and off/backstage and I congratulate everyone involved in any way

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.