Jack The Ripper - performed October 2014

By Ron Pember and Denis de Marne

Performed with the kind permission of Samuel French

Director - Kerry King
Musical Director - Patience Ling

Cast

(in order of appearance)

Marie Kelly Nancy Dines

Chairman Alan Wheeler

Lizzie Stride Jan Watkins

Montague Druitt John Roberts

Annie Chapman & Caria Richards Caroline Roberts

Polly Anne Nichols & Esther Stuart Ella Smith

Daniel Mendoza Malachy Luckie

Martha Tabrum & Saucy Rosebud Amanda Rowe

Catherine Eddowes June Wheeler

Frances Coles Sue Hill

Lisa Pearl Christine Phasey

Dinky Nine-Eights Nnigel Morton

Bluenose Stack Nigel Lister

Slop Wallace Glyn Hill

Police Sergent Coles & Gerald Pope Lester Pearse

Police Constable Gordon Prior

Charlie (Landlord) & Police Constable Nigel Rowe

Lord Overcoat Martin Rayner

Amos Green Aiden Gilmore

Paddy Thomas (Chorus) Patti Tomlinson

Sara Hope (Chorus) Sue Housley

Clarice Sargent (Chorus) Chris Sadd

Production Team

Kerry King, Patinece Ling, Nigel Rowe, Andy Terry, Derek Butcher, Jude Hussey, Bruce Emeny, George Sykes, Gloria Streames, Yvonne Cobbold, Val Taylor, Ben Graham, Alan & June Wheeler, Viv Wheatley, Amanda & Nigel Rowe, Steve Sadler, Chris Feather and other volunteers not mentioned.

Awards & Nominations

The Musical

In 1888 during the months of August to November the Whitechapel area of London was the scene of some of th most brutal murders that have, since their time, become a source of mystery and intrigue. prostitution became the only source of income for most women in the lower classes, living in this area. Mostly middle aged and destitute, they turned to alcohol and sex in the desperate struggle for survival. The horrific deaths of five prostitutes (and it was actually believed at the time that there were at least eight victims) were associated with the name "Jack the Ripper", a name signed on a letter to police. Many theories have been suggested as to the killer's identity, some claim he was a doctor or Jewish cobbler or perhaps Walter Sickett (an artist) and then Montague Druitt, (who later committed suicide by jumping in the Thames) and some even named Prince Albert, grandson of Queen Victoria.

To this day the name of the man who committed these horrible murders is still unknown. Or is it? Recent news articles have declared that it may have been a 23 year-old Polish immigrant named Aaron Kosminski.

It was a harsh, often painful life for most East End "residents" in which the music hall provided often the only, abeit fleeting, respite. This musical, "Jack The Ripper", brings friendship, lust and corruption, music hall and cockney humour and a host of colourful characters. The songs are catchy entertaining, and Witty.

Reviews

The Manifest Theatre Group was back to its very best with this musical feast, Jack The Ripper.

Highlighting the brutal regime of a notorious murderer would, at first, seem an unlikely theme for any kind of entertainment, but it really worked, cleverly combining tragedy and gaiety.

Staged over five nights to packed audiences at Manningtree's Manifest Theatre, the story of the brutal killer's reign of terror in London's East End over a four-month period in 1888 and the effect it had on those living in the area were skilfully intertwined.

The action alternated between the streets of Whitechapel and a music hall and the changes to the scenery, although minimal, were quickly and quietly carried out. But this is typical of the group, which strives to make each production as professional as possible, this time led by director Kerry King.

The colourful costumes, scenery and lighting all contributed, and it is no mean feat to have more than 20 people all on a relatively small stage at any one time.

The story was told mainly in song and there were 19 in the 17 scenes, so no doubt some sore throats at the end of the week among the cast, headed by Nancy Dines, Alan Wheeler, Jan Watkins and John Roberts.

This review would not be complete without mentioning one particular scene - the four policemen undercover as "ladies of the night", which brought the biggest laugh of the night.
Lesley Pallett