Prepare for an enthralling theatrical experience as the captivating play “What’s Your Poison?” arrives in Swindon this November, shedding light on the enigmatic figure of a Victorian doctor who has been speculated to be Britain’s first serial killer.
This gripping true-crime murder mystery marks the debut of journalist and author Steve Orme as a playwright.
The narrative revolves around the intriguing life of 19th-century medic, William Palmer, whose alleged misdeeds include poisoning several individuals, including his wife, his alcoholic brother, his mother-in-law, and even four of his own children.
Orme shares his fascination with this enthralling story, which has captivated him for over a decade, stating, “There’s no doubt he was a rogue, a gambler and a womaniser who defrauded his mother out of thousands of pounds. But was he a serial killer?”
“What’s Your Poison?” ingeniously portrays the tale from two perspectives, transporting the audience to the atmospheric Victorian era, where they witness the doctor, his family, and his trial. Simultaneously, a contemporary viewpoint unfolds, where a young couple endeavors to unravel the truth behind Palmer’s conviction for the murder of a close friend, questioning if it was a miscarriage of justice.
Orme’s journey as a playwright began when he worked in television and produced a trailer for a documentary a decade ago. Inspired by this experience, he adapted the story into a compelling stage play and shared it with Rumpus Theatre Company, known for their exceptional work.
The company was captivated by the script and decided to embark on a tour, firmly rooted in their fascination for everything related to Victorian gothic horror, both real and fictional. John Goodrum, from Rumpus, who will direct the play, shares his excitement for its inclusion in the Rumpus tradition, noting that it culminates in a thrilling and delicious final twist.
Orme, who is simultaneously working on his second crime novel, reflects on how he became intrigued with the Prince of Poisoners after a friend drew his attention to it. He highlights the gripping nature of the tale, revealing that a wax effigy of Palmer was on display at Madame Tussauds’ Chamber of Horrors for more than a century. During Palmer’s trial, renowned writer Charles Dickens famously described him as “the greatest villain that ever stood in the Old Bailey.”
Despite the dark reputation attributed to Palmer, the play challenges the prevailing beliefs and asks critical questions about the evidence surrounding his crimes. For instance, Palmer was hanged for the murder of John Parsons Cook, who was supposed to have been poisoned with strychnine. However, no traces of strychnine were found in Cook’s body during the post-mortem examination.
As the curtains rise on “What’s Your Poison?” at Swindon Arts Centre on Friday 24th November, audiences will embark on a thrilling journey, discovering new perspectives and forming their own conclusions about the mysterious and shadowy past of William Palmer, uncovering the truth behind the man accused of being Britain’s first serial killer.
Tickets for the showing can be bought online at the The Arts Centre, Swindon
