“There’s been a murder…”

This is how the ‘Scottish Detective’, David Swindle, begins his fascinating deep dive into killers and what makes them tick in The Makings of a Murderer. This Taggart-based joke is a moment of levity – and there are a few of them – that provides a brief respite from the weighty subject matter, allowing the audience to come up for air before Swindle offers more information and more anecdotes about his time as a detective. 

David Swindle, retired police detective of 34 years, has a well-known and highly regarded insight into how serial killers work – he was the one who caught Peter Tobin, after all – and he puts that knowledge to good use, regaling the audience with story after story of crime and, ultimately, punishment. 

His stories are something like a cross between a fun and rather naughty grandad deliberately trying to scare his grandkids before handing them back to their parents, and a stern headmaster issuing a warning about wayward behaviour (although, of course, The Makings of a Murderer is definitely not for children). In either case, you sit back and listen – you don’t want to miss a single word he says, even if those words are uncomfortable and downright terrifying at times. 

With its minimalist staging and captivating storytelling, The Makings of a Murderer proves that less is more when it comes to true crime. There are no flashy theatrics, there are no special effects – there is simple a large screen at the back of the stage that provides information, statistics, photos, and videos, there is a small desk with a laptop and some files on it, and there is David Swindle himself. And that’s enough to tell the myriad stories about the true horrors that lurk in the shadows of society. This is raw, unfiltered storytelling, and those stories come from a man who is clearly not only well-versed in the subject matter, but passionate about it too. That passion and expertise shines through in every moment. 

There seem to be a number of these true crime talks making the rounds at the moment, but what really makes The Makings of a Murderer stand out is David Swindle himself. He is incredibly personable and engaging, making the audience feel as though they are having a conversation with an old friend, and his unique perspective and expertise make the stories all the more fascinating. The production is not only interesting but also thought-provoking. The audience is left pondering what drives people to commit such horrific acts and how they can be caught and brought to justice.

The Makings of a Murderer proves that sometimes the scariest stories are the ones that are true.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Lisamarie Lamb

The Makings of a Murderer now tours the UK until December, with further information here.