Reconnect Theatres presents Ripper, a dramatized musical retelling of the infamous serial killer who prowled the streets of the impoverished Whitechapel in Victorian London. The show, written by Pete Sneddon, includes original music and a four-person cast. The actors projected their voices and sang beautifully as they told this haunting tale.
The play began with an operatic song from the detective who is in charge of finding Jack the Ripper. After a huge round of applause, the audience falls silent as our murderer steps onto the stage. Things quickly become uncomfortable as the villain addresses the audience in a vulgar monologue, which appears to be about sexual intercourse. No one knew where to look. However, as time goes on, you are horrified to discover that what he speaks of is in fact brutal murder and mutilation of the female body with a knife. From this first introduction, it is clear that our Ripper is mad and romanticises their crimes; intoxicated by them, murder is described as an insatiable addiction, compared with the highs one experiences from love. We, the audience, are aware of the killer’s identity, but must wait with bated breath to know what will happen next, especially knowing that the real murderer was never officially identified.
I found some of the bodily harm descriptions too intense and felt they could have been toned down. While the topic is gruesome and should be acknowledged, sometimes it was hard to listen to, especially as the actors were so convincing and this story is based on true events. It was difficult not to become too immersed in the bloody details and this distracted from the performance and limited my enjoyment. The interval was a much-needed break. This show is not for the faint of heart. There were small moments of humour and hope, however I felt unable to entertain them.
The simple stage design consisted of a table and chairs, giving the actors space to move around and bring props on and off easily. The costumes were plain Victorian era outfits, which added to the effect of being transported back to the nineteenth century. The stage lighting was atmospheric and effective at highlighting moments of tension.
Ripper is a dark and twisted story and overall, the show was well performed. The actors were able to capture a range of emotions from lust to rage to terror. I was on the edge of my seat as the investigation closed in. Incorporating music into the show was a creative and playful way to approach the story and I am sure there is nothing else out there quite like it.
Ripper is on at 19:45 in Dunedin Theatre at Hill Street Theatre until 25th.
Tickets available here.
Image provided to The Student as press material.
