The Thrill of Love, Amanda Whittington's gripping drama about Ruth Ellis the last woman to be hanged in Britain, has been shortlisted for the Writers' Guild Award for Best Theatre Play.

A divorcee with a young child to care for, Ruth works in the kind of nightclubs where there’s more than just a drink on offer. The girls work hard, play hard and dream of a movie-star life. Then she meets the wealthy, womanising David, a racing driver with whom she becomes obsessed. Fame comes - but not in the way she imagines.

Why does their relationship end in murder? Why does she plead not guilty but offer no defence? Why does she show no remorse? And who is she trying to protect?

The Thrill of Love premiered at the New Vic Theatre, Stoke in February 2013, directed by James Dacre, before transferring to London's St. James Theatre in March. It received widespread critical praise, with the Telegraph's Charles Spencer calling it 'absorbing... the writing is playful and pin-sharp'.

The other nominees for the award are Quietly by Owen McCafferty and Brilliant Adventures by Alistair MacDowell. The winner will be announced on Wednesday 13 November.