The Makings Of A Murderer Review – Adelphi Theatre

What makes a serial killer tick? And are there ever tell-tale signs? These are just some of the questions that seasoned Scottish detective David Swindle answers in The Makings Of A Murderer. With 34 years’ experience as a senior detective, David shares his unique insight into the mind of a murderer. David discusses Britain’s most infamous serial killers, and his own experience uncovering the activities of Peter Tobin. In a gripping, fully interactive, audio-visual first, David Swindle paints a picture of how these monsters come to be.

There is an almost twisted intrigue and desire to learn about serial killers and true crime. There has been a huge increase in tv shows, podcasts, articles, and more covering true crime as a subject. But the problem we’re seeing is that killers are being sensationalised and victims are being overlooked. And David concurs that we need to stop glamourising these people. It’s easy enough to list serial killers but can you make a list of their victims. Let’s be sure not to forget these poor souls, taken by evil!

In 1977, David Swindle joined the police, and he discusses how things have changed since he started. DNA did not exist, evidence was not preserved, and the police did not always work in conjunction. But as time has gone on and everything evolves the police have been able to work in retrospect and convict criminals. If you think you could pull off ‘the perfect murder’ David is here to tell you he thinks otherwise. For one, most people seem to forget that you have a trail of your life in your pocket; your mobile.

The stage is set out like a detective office from days gone past but with a large screen. The screen shows a slideshow that David takes the audience through, with video clips woven in. David discusses some prolific serial killers including Fred and Rose West, Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, Jack the Ripper, and Harold Shipman. He intertwines this with discussions around early warning signs, mistakes made by authority, unsolved cases, and how murderers got away with their crimes.

Things then got more person when David delved into his history with Peter Tobin. David investigated the murder of Angelika Kluk, a Polish student holidaying in Glasgow. After Tobin’s conviction, David created Operation Anagram, a nationwide police investigation into Tobin’s life and movements. The investigation led police to discover the remains of two teenagers at his former home in Kent. Both missing since 1991, he was convicted on a life sentence for the murders of Vicky Hamilton and Dinah McNicol.

The slideshow that David shows included videos from a forensic scientist and interviews during the Tobin case. It gave the show a different perspective and allowed you to immerse yourself in the investigation. Some of the descriptions in the show were quite graphic, especially describing the torture and murder of Anjelika Kluk. But they were recounted in a delicate manner, and I don’t think the horror of these acts should be ignored. It’s another way to remind that these people are criminals and the definition of evil, and not glorified celebrities.

The Makings Of A Murderer took place at the Adelphi Theatre which is showing Back To The Future. On Tuesdays the show takes a day off and they allow other events to take to the stage. Upcoming shows include Jurassic Live, burlesque, tribute acts and Do You Believe In Ghosts on Halloween. The Makings Of A Murderer is now on tour across the country and I’d recommend getting a ticket.

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