Martin McDonagh’s Royal Court hit Hangmen has been awarded the Olivier Award for Virgin Atlantic Best New Play at this year’s ceremony.
Directed by Matthew Dunster, the hugely entertaining drama earned universal critical praise when it premiered at the Royal Court Theatre last autumn before transferring into the West End for a triumphant run.
Featuring an incredible ensemble cast including David Morrissey and Johnny Flynn, McDonagh’s black comedy told the story of the second best hangman in the UK and the realities that come home to roost after the practice was banned.
Writing about its premiere at the Wyndham’s Theatre, Official London Theatre described the drama as “wickedly funny, blackly surreal and surprisingly heart-warming”, commenting: “If you are a fan of modern drama, this is an absolute must see. A play about hanging might not seem like a laugh a minute night out, but McDonagh’s writing is a complete joy and this exploration of the morality of this now extinct British judicial tradition is as thought-provoking as it is darkly funny.”
Hangmen succeeded tonight in an exemplary year for new plays, facing off stiff competition from its fellow nominees Farinelli And The King, People, Places And Things and The Father.
