Last night we were welcomed to watch the intimate performance of the award-winning dark comedy Hangmen at Stoke Rep Theatre . Written by Martin McDonagh, author of Golden Globe winning Three Billboards, Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Beauty Queen of Leenane, amongst others.
The opening scene was set back in 1963 where you witness a young man Hennessy (Zach Bethell) terrified and strongly protesting his innocence against a crime he is about to be hung for, with Hangman Harry (Ian Birkin) (inspired by real life hangman Harry Allen) who clearly takes pride in his job and in no doubt has heard so many protest throughout the years.
The rotating set seamlessly spins to the next scene two years on, to Harry and his wife Alice’ pub in Oldham, more specifically to the date when hanging was abolished in the UK in 1965. The smoke-filled pub, where Alice (Ann Williams) who was every inch of your typical landlady never too far from a gin, was filled with drunks who clearly seem to see Harry as some sort of celebrity as he lorded around. A young journalist Clegg (Conor Price) has come seeking to report the momentous day, where tight lipped Harry swiftly becomes lose lipped at the mere mention of his main rival Pierrepoint (a real historical figure).
The play takes a turn when a mysterious yet menacing young man Mooney (Tom Waldron) enters with an abundance of arrogance about him. It soon becomes clear he is not there by coincidence, and that the young southerner has an ulterior motive when he takes an interest in Harry’s wife Alice and their young daughter Shirley (Miranda Gresty). When Shirley goes missing it soon becomes apparent that Mooney not only may play a part in her disappearance but that he is not working alone, when Harry’s former assistant Syd (Matt Spooner) who has clearly felt humiliated by Harry comes in to play.
A truly gripping and twisting tale, I left for the interval eager to go back in and see how the story unfolded.
The skill full comedy throughout had us laughing at times where you would feel you really shouldn’t be laughing, yet I left thinking of history and how now, 1965 was really not that long ago and how many peoples fates were sealed by wrong verdicts. Hangman may not be a topic that you would immediately think you’d want to see a play about, but the quality of the writing and acting truly makes this one to watch.
What I loved was the history of this theatre, how it started for a charity, how the theatre is run by volunteers who all clearly have a passion for The Stoke Rep, a real personal and intimate setting and now knowing the story of the theatre one I would definitely been keen to return to.
Cast
Hennessy                                  Zach Bethell
Guards/Governor/Doctor       Steve Powell, Richard Morrey, Alan Clarke, Charlie Gobbett
Harry                                          Ian Birkin
Syd                                             Matt Spooner
Alice                                           Ann Williams
Bill                                              Steve Powell
Charlie                                       Richard Morrey
Arthur                                        Alan Clarke
Clegg                                          Conor Price
Inspector Fry                             Charlie Gobbett
Mooney                                     Tom Waldron
Shirley                                        Miranda Gresty
Pierrepoint                                Derek Yeomans
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced from £8.50 (for students) to £12 (adults).
How do I book tickets to watch Hangmen?
Tickets can be booked by calling 01782 209784 or by visiting their website here.
 When is the show?
The show started yesterday and will run until Saturday, 9 April 2022. The evening shows will be performed at 7.30pm while the matinée show on Saturday will be performed at 2.30pm.
Where is The Stoke Repertory Theatre?
Leek Rd
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 2TR
01782 209784
About Stoke Repertory Theatre
The Rep history dates back to 1920, when a group of young people interested in amateur theatre came together to put on a play to raise money for charity. They hired The Empire Theatre in Longton and the production took place as a matinee performance in February 1921.
By 1923 they had begun to call themselves The Stoke-on-Trent Repertory Players. Over the next few years they put on productions in several different venues, included the Theatre Royal in Hanley and the King’s Hall in Stoke before moving to a permanent home at Berrisford Street. Sixty-five years later the Players moved to their purpose-built home at Leek Road
Over one hundred years after these small beginnings, ‘The Rep’ history is still being written.
Tips / Information
The theatre will be open in accordance with current Covid guidance and, for those who prefer socially distanced seating, the Thursday evening and Saturday matinée performances are designated socially distanced performances. The latest Covid-guidance on attending The Rep is available on their website.
Review by: Chloe O’Malley
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Review: The Addams Family Musical Comedy at The Regent Theatre
Witty Romantic Comedy Same Time, Next Year heads to New Vic Theatre
Photo Credit :Â Stoke Repertory Theatre
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
8 comments
I miss watching plays a lot, I used to do it at least once or twice a month…I can’t wait to get back in theatres. I would love to watch Hangmen.
The plot is very interesting. I would love to see this play. I am sure I am going to enjoy it too. Hopefully they get to perform in the area where we live.
You seem to get a lot of good shows in Stoke. I definitely don’t go and watch enough plays as I’m more of a sucker for a musical or a comedy, but I do want to see more x
You make me want to go to the theater! It’s been so many years since we’ve seen a live show.
Wow those are great prices for a live show! Looks like so much fun…I miss going to the theatre but hopefully soon I’ll be able to catch a local show. This one looks like a lot of fun!
Good prices indeed so locals can go to the theatre
I do love to see a good show in person. It’s overdue for us, we haven’t been out in awhile.
Hope you do get a chance to see a fab theatre show soon