Women behaving badly

As a seasoned movie buff with a penchant for uncovering untold stories, I find Lucy Worsley’s latest radio series, Lady Swindlers, nothing short of captivating. The woman knows how to spin a yarn, delving into the lives of women who have defied societal norms and expectations in remarkable ways.

Tune into “Lady Swindlers with Lucy Worsley” on Radio 4, airing on Monday, 30th of September at 3:30 pm. Make sure to save it in your playlist.

In a natural and easy-to-read manner, here’s how the question could be rephrased: “Since your latest radio show, ‘Lady Swindlers,’ is a continuation of your ‘Lady Killers’ series, have you personally ever engaged in any illegal activities?

If someone’s wondering if I have a criminal history, the answer is no, but there was this one time at London’s Somerset House where we needed an extra easel for our filming project. Since we only had one and needed two, I grabbed one from the restaurant because I spotted some there earlier. However, my actions didn’t go unnoticed; the security guard announced over their radio that a woman had taken an easel! It was a moment of pure panic, but I did indeed return it after realizing the gravity of my actions. Since then, I’ve made sure to stay on the right side of the law.

You’re best known for your TV work; why did you choose to make this for radio?

We can produce tales that wouldn’t normally air on television since they don’t fall under the typical mainstream category. These stories aren’t about royal figures; instead, they focus on unsung heroines – individuals whose names are not widely recognized.

Each episode deals with an extraordinary woman — from 1920s shoplifter Alice Diamond to Mary Baker, who, in 1817, pretended to be the fictional Princess Caraboo from a far-off island kingdom…

In an unexpected twist, the con artists we’re studying, notably Lady Rachel, often defy societal norms and expectations. Unlike the stereotypical image of a swindler, they frequently present as meek or unassuming, using this disguise to their advantage in ways not typically associated with women. It was not so much her criminal activities that drew criticism towards Madame Rachel, but rather her success in a predominantly male-dominated field like business, which sparked controversy and censure.

Why was having an all-female team on the series so important to you?

In “true crime” shows, the narrative often revolves around women either deceased or fleeing through forests, pursued by criminals. To offer a refreshing twist, we’ve decided to feature female experts as the primary voices in our discussions. Our very own historian, Professor Rosalind Crone of the Open University, is an authority on prisons and their histories. Following her, we have Professor Lorraine Gamman from Central Saint Martin’s, the founder of the Design Against Crime Research Lab, which works towards preventing crimes such as shoplifting. She’s simply amazing! Her background in crime-related fields makes me aware of how little I know about certain parts of the world.

You also had an all-female team for Lady Killers. Has this been commented on?

Absolutely, yes. One complaint we got was from someone who wrote in and said, “Where is the balance? All these experts are female! What’s gone wrong?” From a genuine person!

What was your response?

The long-standing issue is the influence of male dominance over centuries! I acknowledge that we often exploit women in vulnerable positions to further our narratives, and we do so with a distinctly feminist perspective. This approach boosts our search for nuances and attitudes that can aid us in navigating our lives more effectively today. A common misconception nowadays is that we are superior to people of the past. In truth, we are not – rather, they were just as capable as we are.

Do we look at female criminals using a different moral scale?

Absolutely, it seems likely that we do, and maybe even should, empathize with them to some extent. While their actions may not always be justified, understanding why they acted as they did can help us see things from their perspective. Given the patriarchal nature of society, these individuals often find themselves in a disadvantaged position, which might have contributed to their actions.

Do you think women ought to be given custodial sentences?

It seems to be widely agreed among professionals that incarcerating a woman for a brief period can cause significant harm. This harm extends beyond her own life and affects various aspects such as her family, employment, housing, and the broader community. The punishment itself pales in comparison to the damage inflicted in these areas.

2024-09-27 15:34

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