Chris to speak on stage about his work exploring death in theatres - including an incident in Alnwick

In the book, Morpeth resident Chris Wood was keen to put the spotlight on lesser known cases where people have come to an untimely end in British theatres. This included an incident at the former theatre on Fenkle Street in Alnwick.

The success of the book has led to theatre shows and the one at Alnwick Playhouse will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

The incident in Alnwick took place on April 12, 1869. During the interval between the two performances, Robert Turner, a 32-year-old carpenter, tried to get to the side boxes area of the theatre.

George Craster was employed for security and he tried to stop Robert, who had not paid to be in the boxes. What started as a skirmish became a brawl and they fell to the area below.

Witnesses saw George put his hands on Robert’s neck to restrain him, but Robert died on the theatre floor.

George was taken to the Correction House and following an inquest, he was charged with manslaughter and a trial went ahead – with plenty of interest in the case.

However, his defence made the case that his actions were not a deliberate attempt to kill Robert during the brawl and the Justices agreed to discharge him.

For more details about the show and to book tickets, go to https://alnwickplayhouse.co.uk/event/deathly-stuff