An infamous Black Country murder mystery is the inspiration for The Ruby Dolls' new cabaret show which plays Birmingham’s Old Joint Stock Theatre for one performance in July.

The Ruby Dolls Are Alive is based on the wartime murder known as Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?
A mystery which remains unsolved to this day, the case involves the discovery of the skeleton of a woman in a wych elm tree in Hagley Wood near Stourbridge in 1943.

The woman could not be identified and no-one was found responsible for her death. Following the discovery, graffiti appeared in a number of locations with the most famous being the statement ‘Who put Bella in the wych elm?’

The case has continued to captivate the public and there are numerous theories regarding both the identity of the unknown woman and the circumstances of her death.

Now The Ruby Dolls Are Alive brings together a cast of four women and a pianist in a cabaret which weaves together the story with a blend of music ranging from medieval hymns and 16th century folk through to Mary Poppins, Britney Spears and Beyoncé.

Ruby Doll Susanna Giustiniani, who hails from the West Midlands, said the company were keen to bring alive the local mystery: “As a West Midlands performer born and bred, I am very excited for us to be able to share our take on this fascinating story with a local audience.”

The cast - Jenny Grove, Susanna Giustiniani, Jessica Sedler and Rebecca Shanks - will be accompanied by Benjamin Cox on piano. The show is The Ruby Dolls’ sixth full-length theatre production and they have taken previous shows to venues including Edinburgh Festival, Soho Theatre and the High Tide Festival.

The Ruby Dolls Are Alive is staged at The Old Joint Stock Theatre at 3pm on Sunday 19 July.

For further information and tickets, visit tickettailor.com