Things You Should Know About Machinal

Ruth Snyder was an American woman who, alongside her lover Henry Judd Gray, was convicted and executed for murder in the 1920s. 

Sophie Treadwell was working as a journalist in 1928 and was assigned to cover Ruth Snyder’s trial. Treadwell attended every single day of the trial but refused to report on it, instead creating this play.

Other works inspired by Ruth Snyder’s case include Billy Wilder’s film Double Indemnity, James M. Cain’s novel The Postman Always Rings Twice, William March’s novel The Bad Seeds and Guns’n’Roses Use Your Illusion albums.

Rosie Sheehy performs the role of the protagonist, the everywoman character who struggles against the mechanisation of everyday life. Sheehy has recently received glowing reviews for her performances of the role at Theatre Royal Bath, and her previous work includes the TV series Chernobyl, Romeo and Julie at the National Theatre and performances at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Richard Jones is an Olivier Award-winning theatre and opera director whose previous work at The Old Vic includes Endgame and The Hairy Ape. His productions have been staged at theatres including Royal Court, National Theatre, Royal Opera House and Public Theater in New York.

Critics have said of the production:  

★★★★★ ‘One of the great theatre nights of the decade’ WhatsOnStage 

★★★★ ‘A masterpiece’ The Times 

★★★★ ‘Rosie Sheehy cements her reputation as an astounding stage talent’ Guardian 

★★★★ ‘Rosie Sheehy is mesmerising. An outstanding production’ Daily Mail