The Thrill of Love

A gripping drama about Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain.

A divorcee with a young child to care for, Ruth works in the kind of nightclubs where there’s more than just a drink on offer. The girls work hard, play hard and dream of a movie-star life. Then she meets the wealthy, womanising David, a racing driver with whom she becomes obsessed. Fame comes - but not in the way she imagines.

Why does their relationship end in murder? Why does she plead not guilty but offer no defence? Why does she show no remorse? And who is she trying to protect?

Amanda Whittington's play The Thrill of Love dramatises the true story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain, and takes a fresh look at the woman behind the headlines.

The Thrill of Love was first staged at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, in 2013.

'Terrific'— Guardian

'Absorbing... the writing is playful and pin-sharp'— Telegraph

'Tense and engaging throughout... a triumph'— The Stage

“"Terrific." - Guardian "Absorbing... the writing is playful and pin-sharp." - Telegraph "Tense and engaging throughout... a triumph." - The Stage”

'Terrific'

'Absorbing... the writing is playful and pin-sharp'

'Tense and engaging throughout... a triumph'

Amanda Whittington is one of the most widely performed playwrights in the UK. Her plays include Be My Baby (Soho Theatre, 1998), Satin 'n' Steel (Nottingham Playhouse, 2005), Ladies' Day (Hull Truck, 2005) and its sequels Ladies Down Under (Hull Truck, 2007) and Ladies Unleashed (Hull Truck, 2022), The Thrill of Love (New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, 2013), Kiss Me Quickstep (New Vic Theatre, 2016),  Mighty Atoms (Hull Truck, 2017) and The Invincibles (Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch, 2023).She has adapted Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, My Judy Garland Life and Tipping the Velvet for the stage. She writes regularly for BBC Radio 4, contributing to the Woman's Hour serial and Afternoon Play slots.Her stage plays have also become a popular choice for amateur, community and school productions across the country.

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