Oxford audiences are set for an unsettling yet compelling evening of true crime, as leading psychologist and broadcaster Emma Kenny brings her latest live show Killer Couples to New Theatre Oxford on Saturday 16 May.
Renowned for her work across television, publishing and live events, Kenny has become one of the UK’s most recognisable voices in criminal psychology. Her ability to dissect complex cases with clarity and empathy has earned her a global following, drawn as much to her storytelling as to her expertise.
In Killer Couples, she turns her attention to one of the most disturbing themes in true crime: when relationships become the setting for violence. The show explores the psychological dynamics behind couples who commit crimes together, asking how intimacy, trust and emotional dependency can evolve into something far darker.
Through a combination of real-life case studies, behavioural analysis and narrative insight, Kenny examines infamous partnerships alongside more recent cases, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the motivations and patterns that underpin them.
Among the cases referenced are some of the most notorious in British criminal history, including the chilling partnership of Brady and Hindley, alongside modern examples that continue to provoke debate.
But rather than focusing solely on the crimes themselves, the production seeks to unpack the emotional and psychological forces at play. Themes of control, loyalty and manipulation are woven throughout, encouraging audiences to confront uncomfortable questions about human behaviour and the nature of relationships.
Kenny’s stage presence remains central to the experience. Known for balancing forensic analysis with warmth and accessibility, she delivers a performance that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The result is a live event that sits somewhere between lecture, theatre and immersive storytelling.
Speaking ahead of the tour, Kenny said the subject matter holds a particular power because of its proximity to everyday life. The idea that harmful dynamics can exist within seemingly ordinary relationships, she suggests, is what makes these cases so compelling – and so unsettling.
Arriving in Oxford for one night only, Killer Couples promises an evening that goes beyond headline crime stories, offering instead a deeper exploration of the human psyche – and the fragile line between love and control.
