Hit BBC podcast Lady Killers was presented live on stage for one afternoon only as part of the BBC Radio 4 at Crossed Wires Festival 2026. Host Lucy Worsley was joined by two experts to explore a series of dramatic murder cases. In this particular episode, all three cases examined involved sex in some way, leading to important conversations about how far we have actually come as a society in our treatment of women since the Victorian era (not as far as we might like!).
Lucy Worsley is a wonderful presenter. She holds the audience in the palm of her hands. She leads us through the cases in a very engaging way, with a slight glimmer of sinister glee in her eyes (in the best possible way!). We are fully drawn in to find out what happened to these women, as well as what these cases have to say about society back then and now.
Worsley is joined by historian Dr Rose Wallis from the University of West England and sex historian Dr Kate Lister from the Betwixt the Sheets podcast. Both have fascinating reflections and insights to share on how women were treated historically, whether in the Victorian era or in the 1920s, and how society has progressed since then. They discuss a range of other topics as well, including the intersectionality between class and gender and how this has an impact in a court of law.
The trio were joined on stage by actor Clare Corbett. Corbett provided a number of readings throughout the evening, allowing us to come face to face with the women on trial as well as various other key characters involved in the cases. Corbett is an outstanding voice actor, moving from one character to the next with complete ease. She performed each role with incredible conviction.
Lady Killers provided an entertaining and gripping afternoon of murder, justice and political discussion.
Reviewed on 5th July 2026
The Reviews Hub Star Rating
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10
