Winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best Play, New Theatre presents the Australian premiere of Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen from 13 August 2024.
It’s 1965, and capital punishment has just been abolished in the UK. In a dingy pub in the north of England, the landlord, Harry, who until recently was known as ‘the second-best hangman in Britain’, holds court.
Surrounded by a motley crew of sycophants and hangers-on, he relishes the celebrity his profession has brought him. His wife works behind the bar; neither seems to notice that their anxious, awkward teenage daughter is ripe for exploitation.
The arrival of a mysterious stranger from London creates an atmosphere toxic with suspicion, and when Harry’s arch-rival turns up, the clash of egos is both brutal and desperately sad.
This brilliant, funny and wildly off-beat play ((from the acclaimed writer of In Bruges, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, The Lieutenant of Inishmore and The Lonesome West) is a stinging condemnation of state-sanctioned murder delivered with furious, macabre humour.
New Theatre is delighted to welcome back director Deborah Mulhallto take charge of this production. Deborah has an affinity with McDonagh’s writing, having previously directed our sell-out season of The Lieutenant of Inishmore in 2017.
The cast comprises returning actors Sonya Kerr (Homos, or Everyone in America, August: Osage County, The Angry Brigade), James McCrudden, Jack Elliot Mitchell (The Spook, Ink), Gerry Mullaly (Banging Denmark, The Front Page, Ink), Georgia Nicolas (The Front Page) and Reuben Solomon (Homos, or Everyone in America, The Front Page), and making their New Theatre debuts, Alastair Brown, Kim Clifton, Nathan Farrow, Owen Hirschfeld, Tom Massey and Robert Snars.
“The charm of Martin McDonagh’s work lies in his mastery of black comedy – an oeuvre which blends comedy and tragedy with lots of dark, dark humour,” says Deborah. “There are twists and turns that you don’t see coming and lots of subtle observations on relationships and life.
“McDonagh’s thread is always that of human despair and how the reaction to despair drives an individual to certain actions. If we are honest with ourselves (and this is where our uncomfortable laughter comes from) we recognise how much what we do in life is driven by despair. And hope.”
“For me, this is the appeal of his work. That recognition of a universal human condition which plays out through his craft with brilliantly drawn characters that audiences really care about. Even if – or perhaps because – at times, they say things which we might secretly think but we would never dare say.”
“It is a joy to work with McDonagh’s language, as it is both rhythmic and beautiful which helps to bring an audience into the landscape of the play. Once in that world, you are a willing hostage until the end,” says Deborah.
Director: Deborah Mulhall | Featuring: Alastair Brown, Kim Clifton, Nathan Farrow, Owen Hirschfeld, Sonya Kerr, Tom Massey, James McCrudden, Jack Elliot Mitchell, Gerry Mullaly, Georgia Nicholas, Reuben Solomon, Robert Snars | Set Designer: Tom Bannerman | Lighting Designer: Tim Carter | Costume Designer: Helen Kholhagen | Sound Designers: Deborah Mulhall, Mehran Mortezaei | Assistant Director: Tim Carter | Dialect Coach: Mark G Nagle | Stage Manager: Owen Hirshfeild | Assistant Stage Manager: Alastor Gooley | Lighting/Sound Operator: Ricci Costa
Hangmen
New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown
Season: 14 August – 14 September 2024 (preview: 13 August)
Information and Bookings: www.newtheatre.org.au
Image: © Somchai Som/Shutterstock