The Thrill of Love

The Thrill of Love is a 2013 Drama based on the true story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain for murdering her lover, David Blakely.
Set in 1950's London, the play explores the blonde nightclub hostess's downward spiral, examining her motives, obsessions and social pressures of the time. 
A working-class, good time girl verses the Crown, the victim the scion of an upper-class Berkshire Family, an alleged misogynistic judge directing the Jury: whatever the circumstances it was unlikely to end well for Ruth. 

Directed with skill and a complete understanding of the period by Stacey Vernon, the play opens silently with Ruth, Beth Garner, applying make-up and carefully dressing for an obviously special occasion, her finale act.
That perfectly applied make-up hiding the inner hurt, emotional turmoil and inner pain. Reverently, she places a revolver in her handbag. Beth portrayed the characters determination to follow her planned life narrative without losing any of the vulnerability. Well Done. 

Ruth had had a difficult earlier life. She had been sexually abused by her father, became a single mother and married a Dentist, who was alcoholic and abusive. Ruth and all the actors in this play captured perfectly the zeitgeist of the period. 

Nicola Reynolds an authentic and totally convincing portrayal of Sylvia Shaw, the hard as nails club manager.
An endearing performance by Emma Appleton who played Doris Judd, the cleaner who just wants a working husband, a home, and children. A sense of collective conformity
Fiona Stewart shone as Vicki Martin the girl who dreamt of stardom. Even as late as the sixties I can remember quarter page adverts in the “Stage” for dancers to act as hostess's in "Gentleman's Clubs", with accommodation provided. Vicki saw herself travelling in a silver Rolls Royce. The dream turning into a nightmare when she was killed in a mysterious car accident having been the lover of a Maharaja.

Genuine chemistry between all the women, Vicki's funeral and the final visit to Ruth in prison, were perfect examples of collaboration and commitment. 

Detective Inspector Jack Gale was played by Chris Jackson.  Chris made this character his own. This role is the role that glues this story together which Chris did with great aplomb.  He also was able to convey a natural level of authority whilst managing to successfully to show an underlying sympathy for Ruth. 

Occasionally a film, television or Theatre production creates "A moment". Often without dialogue, a moment you remember long after the production. One such moment, sensitively directed and choreographed, appeared in this production: the final visit of the hardened Detective to Ruth's prison cell. The movement quietly ethereal, the tenderness in sharp contrast to the state sanctioned brutality that was to follow. 

An imaginative final bow tabloid brought the curtain down on a ‘night of real theatre’. 

I understand Ruth Ellis's grandson was in the audience, a poignant touch to all those on stage. 

Ruth, a seemingly charming and caring individual, wrote a final letter to David Blakely's parents. “I have always loved your son, and I shall die loving him. “

Very effective set design by Peter Hall. 

Set changes seamless under the direction of Stage Managers Joe Wiswell and Holly Ward.

Lights done by Becky Hampson and Jacob Latham. 

Sound by Mel Meadows.

Wardrobe period perfect by Stacey Vernon and cast with thanks to Mary B Hill. 

Thank you for inviting me.

David Davies 

Assistant Area Rep 

NODA NW District 6
 

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