There is a dark and gripping who-dunnit heading to the perfect setting of the Victorian Devonshire Park Theatre this autumn, as the deliciously wicked show, The Ripper Files! comes to Eastbourne from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th November.
Charles William Lestrange was a newly promoted Detective Inspector in the Metropolitan Police, just transferred to H Division in Whitechapel, when Jack the Ripper and the The Autumn Of Terror, as it came to be known, reached its grizzly height in 1888.
Now, thirteen years later in 1901, and ably assisted by Samuel Edwards, formerly Detective Constable Edwards of H Division, and Samuel Edward’s “close friend” Miss Elsie Fordham, rising star of the music hall stage, ex-Inspector Lestrange is touring the country to rehearse again for our titillation and delight the ghoulish events in Victorian Whitechapel which have been a source of universal fascination since the 1880’s.
The Ripper Files! stars Jennifer Biddall (Jessica Harris in Hollyoaks), Mark Homer who is no stranger to the East End (as he previously took the role of Tony Hills in EastEnders) and National Theatre actor David Gilbrook reprises his acclaimed performance as Inspector Charles Lestrange.
The laughs vie with the jumps in this entertaining spine-chiller which is sure to keep audiences tightly wound until the nerve-jangling ending; audiences of a nervous disposition please be warned!
The unique and macabre fascination with Jack the Ripper continues to this day; the ghoulish draw of the infamous figure who stalked the streets of Whitechapel has inspired many films, television shows and of course stage productions. The Ripper Files! was first performed in 2007, Eastbourne is the only southern date on this latest tour.
A fascinating case, in all there have been over 100 suggested names for the unknown killer, a new book has just been published with supposedly new proof. Written by the great-great-great granddaughter of the final victim, Mary Kelly it’s been released to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the Ripper murders.
The Ripper Files! appears at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th November with nightly performances at 7.45pm and Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm with tickets priced from £14.50 – £20.50. To book call the box office on 01323 412000 or go online to www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
