About Ruthless: A Night With Ruth Ellis

"Do you like going to the pictures?
I know a good one.
It starts when I was fourteen. And I said,
"Mum. I'm going to make something of my life'."
All Ruth Ellis wants is the adoration that Diana Dors gets.

So when the ticket to a brighter future comes in the form of a London nightclub, Ruth seizes the opportunity to be a leading lady.

But real life isn't like the movies.
The handsome heroes don't always save you.
In fact, sometimes, they're the reason you're fighting for your life.

From award-winning actor & writer, Katherine Moran (Slow Horses, Call The Midwife), Ruthless: A Night With Ruth Ellis uses Ruth's own words to create an exciting, visceral reclaiming of the true story of Britain's last woman to be hanged.

Ruthless has been further developed with the Masterclass Theatre Trust and Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, with special thanks to the Shaw Theatre. This production also coincides with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Directed by Esalan Gates (Pop Goes The Dollar - Hope Theatre, Violet's System - Norwich Theatre Royal, The Waiting Room - BroadwayWorld UK 2024 Nominee)

Join Us for a Post-Show Talk and Q&A

After the performance, we invite you to stay for a special conversation between the Ruthless creative team and Jodie Bartlett (Community Safety Policy, Improvement and Engagement Officer at Dacorum Council).

This is your chance to hear more about the making of the production during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as well as the realities behind the story's themes in today's society

0 Stars

A special mention is due to Katherine Moran... uncannily convincing.

The Stage, on previous work

0 Stars

Moran is particularly strong... warm, hilarious and totally reasonable.

Spy in the stalls, on previous work

0 Stars

Lovable... wonderfully portrayed by Moran.

London Pub Theatres, on previous work


Womens Aid have created the Come Together to End Abuse campaign! As part of this they are providing a toolkit to help you do 5 simple but important things to help end domestic abuse.

#EndAbuseTogether