Lecturer ex-forensics Jennifer Rees delivers an intriguing and insightful lecture about a wide range of serial killers and their cases. Debunking some of the myths used in television dramas that “pigeon hole” these perpetrators into a type which is often blame on childhood abuse (not all are) and not many who suffer abuse as a child become serial killers.

Rees takes the audience on a journey through some of the serial killers that have been high-profile over the years and some lesser known prolific killers whom I had never heard of. Some with victim tolls running into over 100 victims.

It focuses more on the killers’ crimes and where they took place rather than why they did it. That could be a whole different lecture. The lecture is well researched and clearly delivered with plenty of resources explained. If you are inclined, there are plenty of names mentioned that allow you to do further research and find out more.

With this production currently on tour and a huge audience turn out to this performance, it’s clear that there is a huge interest and fascination into serial killers. For me, it’s trying to understand why and how they do what they do. Everyone will have their own reasons, even those who actively pursue and marry serial killers on death row. There’s an application form apparently that you can fill in to seek one out, not something I want to ever intend to do.

I realise how many true crime documentaries I have and do watch as some of the American serial killers discussed in the lecture I had prior knowledge of.  For example, Dorothea Puente, whose cookbook is still available to buy, and Rodney James Alcala, who is often referred to as “The Dating Game” killer. If you have never heard of them, they are worth reading about as both appeared to be good citizens on the surface.

There’s also a video to watch that’s a fascinating time-lapse video where a facial reconstruction takes place. Reconstructing the skull of a discovered body and how the features are calculated and rebuilt.

Rees delivers an honest and concise lecture filled with a large range of cases and killers. I felt throughout the evening that all the information was correct and that the audience was in safe hands. No gimmicks or special effects, just facts delivered concisely and in plain English. I would highly recommend catching this while it’s on tour.

As Nick Ross used to say at the end of the BBC Crimewatch UK appeal, “Don’t have nightmares” although I dare say many audience members will be looking over the shoulder and checking bushes outside their houses.

For more information about the touring lecture Psychology of Serial Killers and future productions at The Anvil in Basingstoke, please use the links below.

Five Stars.

https://www.ticketnation.uk/shows/PsychologyofSerialKillers.html

https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/