Hangmen – About the Show
Highlights of Hangmen – Must-See Moments
The Olivier Award-winning play that took London by storm is now making its Broadway debut. Written by Martin McDonagh, the acclaimed playwright who also won a Golden Globe for the film “Three Billboards,” Hangmen tells the story of England’s second most prominent executioner.The play opens with a chilling execution scene, and from beginning to end it is packed with razor-sharp dark humor. It does not shy away from taboo subjects, with provocative language addressing issues like racism and sexism, so audiences should be prepared. Still, the fast-paced stream of surreal gags creates a uniquely gripping style that comedy fans are sure to love.
Hangmen – Show info
Show details of Hangmen
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Theater location： John Golden Theatre 252 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 (Map) |
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Performance Run: Opening: February 28, 2020 Closing: March 11, 2020 |
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Show Links: |
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Type of the show: Fun Emotional・Touching |
Hangmen – Story
The Plot / Summary of Hangmen
Harry, the lead character, once served as the second most accomplished executioner of hangings in the country. As societal views evolved, a law abolishing the death penalty passed, forcing Harry into retirement
On the day the death penalty was officially abolished, Harry was managing a pub and living with his wife Alice and daughter Shirley. That very day, the pub filled with reporters and curious strangers eager to hear from the last executioner. Among them was a young man named Mooney, whose unsettling presence did not go unnoticed. In a moment of distraction, Mooney slipped close to Shirley
The next morning, Shirley did not return home and had disappeared. Word got back to Harry that Mooney had been seen lingering around her, and he became engulfed with fear that his daughter might have been abducted
In a nation where carrying out executions has become illegal, what will Harry do now
Hangmen – Movie
The YouTube trailer of Hangmen
You can watch the interview video for the Broadway musical “Hangman.”
Hangmen – Explore, FAQ
Behind the Scenes of Hangmen
One of the most gripping and entertaining shows in London
The play Hangmen premiered in London’s West End in September 2015 as a one-month limited engagement. Due to its popularity, the run was extended and continued at Wyndham’s Theatre until March 2016. Critics praised it as “the most entertaining and suspenseful play in London,” and it went on to win the Laurence Olivier Awards for Best New Play and Best Set Design that same year.
*The Laurence Olivier Awards are given annually to the best productions in theater and opera and are often referred to as the UK’s equivalent of the Tony Awards.
The two “Hangmen” in the title
The title Hangmen comes from “hang,” meaning to suspend, and “men,” meaning executioners. While “Hangman” in singular would refer to one executioner, the plural “Hangmen” highlights the presence of two. The main character Harry is the second most prominent hangman, but the story also revolves around the country’s number one executioner, Pierrepoint. The play portrays Harry’s jealousy and rivalry toward Pierrepoint, as well as his rough approach to carrying out executions. Pierrepoint is based on the real-life British hangman Albert Pierrepoint, who was the country’s last official executioner and is said to have carried out around 200 executions of Nazi war criminals.
Main characters in Hangmen
Here are some of the main characters featured in Hangmen. Knowing a bit about them in advance will make the experience of watching the play even more engaging.
Harry
The protagonist. Known as the second most accomplished hangman in England, now running a pub. Short-tempered and competitive.
Alice
Harry’s wife who runs the pub with him.
Mooney
A mysterious and unsettling young man who visits the pub and shows an interest in Shirley.
Pierrepoint
Harry’s former colleague and England’s most accomplished executioner.
Clegg
A journalist and frequent visitor who comes to interview Harry.
Syd
Harry’s assistant from his days as a hangman.
Shirley
Harry’s 15-year-old daughter.
Bill & Arthur
Regular customers at Harry’s pub.
Hangmen – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for Hangmen (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about Hangmen tickets.
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How much are tickets for Hangmen (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical Hangmen start at $56 with our discounted prices. See more details for Hangmen tickets.
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Is the English in Hangmen (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical Hangmen has a slightly higher level of English difficulty. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of Hangmen (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical Hangmen are introduced in the Hangmen Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
Hangmen Reviews
Review from Mr Sato：
New Musical
I’ve seen both the film and stage versions before. When it was performed previously, the concept of an executioner was quite abstract to me. Since this version is set in the US, I’m hoping for a more realistic portrayal.
February 14, 2020
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