A very different start to this piece of theatre. No introduction, the cast already in position on stage and in the theatre itself in freeze mode. On entering the theatre we walk past a female standing by the aisle and I have to say we gave her little attention but wondered who she was. In the background the 70’s hit ‘You’re so vain’ by Carly Simon plays out.
The stage was simple, dull grey walls which incorporated 2 doors which doubled up as the police interview rooms and the Wests home at Cromwell Street. Mugs shots of Fred and Rose were strategically placed indicating two interview rooms along with a map of Gloucester and authentic photos of the 12 girls who were at the time missing. The only other props were 2 tables and a few chairs which are cleverly moved by the detectives after each scene is finished in preparation for the next one.
Without introduction the lights come up and the drama comes to life.. The Wests both facing the audience and being interviewed by Police detectives concerning their missing daughter Heather. The choice of costume is in keeping with the era, the use of lighting , the script and above all the portrayal of Fred and Rose made this a drama that had the audience on the edge of their seats from start to finish. What made this so authentic was that every word, pause and intonation was taken from the transcripts from the actual interviews of these two evil people in the 1970’s. The last scenes with Carolyn Roberts were abstracts from her book ‘The girl who got away’.
This performance gives superb insight into the evil mind of Rose West, the vulnerability of Fred and his obsession with Rose and the pressure and impatience of the Police to bring to justice those responsible for what turned out to be the brutal murders of 12 other innocent women whose bodies were discovered at 25 Cromwell Street home of the Wests. Fred’s behaviour during interview would bring into question his mental health, his lack of empathy or remorse especially when talking about how he murdered and disposed of his own daughter’s body
The way in which the scene moves from the Police Station to the West’s home and then to the excavation of the garden is genius and flows beautifully. As for the girl standing in the aisle she plays a big part in the prosecution of Fred and Rose, she is Carolyn nanny to the West’s other children who though sadly was abused and raped by the Wests luckily escaped with her life. She is portrayed as the vulnerable harmless girl who at the final scene falls for the charms of Fred agreeing to take a lift in his car and this was the beginning of her nightmare. What a final Finale!!!
The power of this piece is in the spoken word. The lack of elaborate scenery props or special effects places you as a voyeur witnessing what actually was said and done at the time.
What a fine piece of dark drama by 81k theatre company – 5 final year drama students from University of South Wales. Every one of them should be extremely proud of producing and directing such an amazing piece of theatre together. Well Done!