The story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to hang in Britain, is brought to life in Amanda Whittington’s “The Thrill of Love” which runs at Stockport Garrick Theatre between 27 January – 3 February 2018, starting at 7.30pm each evening.
Ellis worked as a hostess in the kind of 1950s London nightclub where there was usually much more than a drink on offer. Infatuated with her lover, the racing driver David Blakely, Ellis shot him to death on a fateful night in 1955 having suspected him of being unfaithful.
At her trial she confessed her guilt but offered no defence. Why did she show no remorse? And who, if anyone, was she trying to protect?
These are the questions that playwright Amanda Whittington (Ladies Down Under, Be My Baby) addresses. Telling the story from the perspective of the women who worked in the club and adding a detective character along with  the music of Billie Holiday to give the production a film noir feel, it’s a show that’s consistently garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences alike since its first performance in 2013.
Speaking of the Garrick production, director Sandy McGregor says: “This is a true story which has almost everything in it: crime, sex, class and politics. It is still fascinating more than 60 years since the events took place. I find Ruth Ellis’ story incredibly moving as there were real people and their lives at the heart of it.”
Tickets are £10.00 each / £8.50 concession (Mon-Thur). A 2-for-1 discount offer is available for Monday’s performance (cheaper ticket free). To book, go to http://www.stockportgarrick.co.uk/whats-on or visit the Stockport Plaza Box Office in town.

Stockport Garrick Theatre is located at Exchange Street. Stockport SK3 0EJ

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