Where to start on this journey into the life and death of Ruth Ellis?
Well, the play itself would be a good idea. Fred provided me with a copy and I read it in an afternoon. At work, in my coffee breaks. (Ok then, at my desk when I should have been working - but once I started I really couldn't stop... it's that good and the finale moved me to tears). She advised me to read it through once and try not to think of it in technical terms. Easier said than done; my mind would occasionally wander from a particular stage instruction and think 'ooh, how are we going to achieve that...'. But it was Amanda Whittington's dialogue that was the hook, particularly the snappy exchanges between the four female characters. I knew that casting would have to be spot on, but knowing Jules and the experience of 'Glorious!', she would find the right talent to bring these characters to life.
Additionally, I have borrowed 'A Fine Day For a Hanging' by Carol Ann Lee from the library, a comprehensive biography of Ellis's life from birth to death. The first chapter 'La Vie En Rose' which retells in great detail the final day of Ruth's life right up to the hanging is some of the most harrowing writing I have ever read.
Alongside plowing through this compelling tome, I have compiled a list of Ellis-related movies to view - the obvious starting point being Dance With A Stranger from 1985, with Miranda Richardson as Ruth. I've not seen this for years, so will be a welcome rewatch.
And finally, a CD of Billie Holiday songs; her music forms much of the aural backdrop to the play so I think it would be useful to have this playing when creating the visuals. (I do intend to listen to it, but I have PSB's rather wonderful 'Electric' on heavy rotation at the moment.)
I've stopped short of having my hair dyed peroxide blonde and having it permed. It's too short for a start.
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