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Wicked Women: Infamous Trials and the Jury’s Dilemma

Wayne Newport


Regions:
South East, South West, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Professional Actor, Presenter, Speaker and Historian
Fee:
Paid: varies - dependant on location
Category:
History
Updated:
31st January 2026

There are countless stories of women who defied the norms of their time—some through acts of desperation, others through cold calculation. But what happens when these women stand trial? How do motives like love, greed, survival, or rebellion shape the courtroom drama? And what would you decide if YOU were on the jury?

Each case presents a puzzle: Was she a villain, a victim, or something in between?

Join me as we explore these gripping tales, examining the evidence, the motives, and the arguments that swayed the juries of the past. Then, step into the shoes of those jurors yourself. Guilty or not guilty? As we revisit each case, I’ll ask you to cast your vote. Would you have convicted the accused based on the evidence provided or would you allow them to walk free?

Let’s dive into the stories of these "wicked women" and see if we’d reach the same verdicts as the juries of their time.

Views: 612 | Enquiries: 1

About Wayne Newport

Hello, and thank you for stopping by.

My name is Wayne, and I am a professional actor, speaker, theatrical historian, and social history researcher.

For more than thirty years, I have worked in the entertainment industry, primarily as a stage actor, while also appearing in television, film, and commercial productions. Alongside performing, I have written, directed, and produced shows for both myself and a variety of theatre companies.

My love of theatre began at the age of five when my grandfather took me to see Cinderella. More than five decades later, that fascination remains as strong as ever, particularly when it comes to the rich traditions and history of pantomime.

Over the years, my interest in theatre naturally expanded into a wider passion for history. What began with researching performers, productions, and theatrical traditions soon led to exploring the social history that surrounds them. Today, my talks bring these interests together, combining historical research with the storytelling skills developed throughout my theatrical career.

Whether exploring the colourful world of pantomime, uncovering the lives of forgotten performers, or sharing the remarkable stories that shape our social history, my aim is always to entertain, inform, and bring the past vividly to life.

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I hope we have the opportunity to meet at one of my talks or events in the future.

Wayne


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