Taking the Stage 2022 - Now You See Me

The “hidden story” of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in England. The year was 1955. Ruth Ellis openly admitted to the murder of her lover David Blakely who she shot at the Magdala pub in London. What is little know though is that Blakely was violent and controlling. A few days before the murder he had brutally beaten Ruth and she suffered a miscarriage . At a time when she needed support her close make friend Desmond Cussen gave her a gun and showed her how to use it. He was never called to account. Her case led to changes in the law recognising the defence of diminished responsibility.

Carly Halse

Carly trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and has a passion for devised theatre and new writing. She has also worked extensively in the performance art world, most recently with Marisa Carnesky and Duckie. Carly is an Associate Artist with The Play’s The Thing Theatre Company and is delighted to have been supported in developing Now You See Me as part of this festival. Theatre credits include: Minnie in I, Minnie Lansbury (RADA Studios); Splendour (Stantonbury Theatre); Second Movement (Barbican); The Wind in the Willows (Alban Arena); Presto and Clown (Old Fire Station, Oxford); Nora in A Doll’s House (Stantonbury Theatre); Paper Dolls (Etcetera Theatre); Carnesky’s Tarot Drome (Old Vic Tunnels); Proper Night (Roundhouse Studio); Neon Fairytale (Contact Theatre, Manchester); Your Number’s Up (Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh); One Act Play Festival with The Play’s The Thing; Bare Essentials with Encompass Productions; A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet.

Rosemary Hill  

Director Rosemary worked at the BBC as a director and producer of both drama and documentary for 12 years. Now freelance she has produced award winning programmes for BBC World Service and BBC Education. She founded The Play’s The Thing Theatre Company in 2008.