Lucy Worsley goes to a glittering ball in Western Australia to investigate the sensational case of Audrey Jacob. It’s the 1920s, the era of bobbed hair and daring hemlines, and a ball at the Government House in Perth is in full swing. A young woman pushes her way through the throng of dancers, and before a ballroom packed with startled witnesses, she produces a concealed pistol and fires. Cyril Gidley, her former fiancé, falls dead at her feet.

What follows is a courtroom drama that’s still debated to this day. Is Audrey a cold blooded murderess? Surely an all-male jury will find her guilty?

Lucy is joined by historian Professor Leigh Straw and criminal defence barrister Laura Stockdale to untangle this case. They discover a story of passion, abuse and betrayal, with a ruthless defence lawyer who will stop at nothing in his pursuit of freedom for his glamorous young client.

Producer: Emily Hughes

A StoryHunter production for BBC Radio 4.