Entertainment / Drama group brings infamous true story to the stage
ISLESBURGH Drama Group is set to return to the Garrison Theatre next week for its spring production The Thrill of Love by Amanda Whittington, a drama about the last woman to be hanged in Britain.
A divorcee with a young child to care for, Ruth Ellis works in the kind of nightclubs where there is more than just a drink on offer. The girls work hard, play hard and dream of a movie-star life.
This is where Ruth meets the wealthy, womanising David, a racing driver with whom she becomes obsessed.
Fame comes but not in the way she imagines.
The Thrill of Love takes a new look at the real woman behind the headlines and at the events that drive her to murder.
Stepping up to the director’s role, Stephenie Georgia is leading a small principal cast of five alongside an ensemble.
The group have been rehearsing since January in the drama room at Islesburgh and look forward to bringing this play to the stage.
Props co-ordinator Karen Erasmuson said: “The director has creative production meetings very early on, often even before rehearsals have started.
“I go through the script marking where props are mentioned, and I see what we already have in our store.
“Charity shops are a great resource. I have to mention The Shetland Home Co, who are an excellent source of props and everyone is so helpful (shout out to Fiona!).
“I couldn’t do props without support from other members of the group. Some props need to be altered or created. The props list is constantly changing throughout rehearsals. The stage manager and assistant stage managers let me know if there are any changes during rehearsals.”
Jennie Atkinson, who is designing the sound for the show, added: “There is some lovely 1950s original music from Billie Holliday which runs right through the play, along with sounds which I hope will set the scene for the action of the play.”
After a successful Shetland County Drama Festival earlier his month, The Thrill of Love runs for three nights from 26 to 28 March.
Tickets are on sale via Shetland Arts in person, via the phone or online for £12/10.
