Hangmen (Faber Drama)

From the same writer as Lieutenant of Inishmore, McDonagh brings a hell of an English ride to the stage.Generating the same crazy premises as well as the addicting dialogue, McDonagh hooks you and doesn't let you go until the end. Just like LoI, it's a roller coaster, but I think his themes are more identifiable and the message is clear; the justice system, wherever you go, doesn't really care.The dialogue makes you cringe while laughing and leaves you gripping the corner of the book at times, the author has always had this effect on his readers (and viewers when it's produced into a play) and Hangmen is no exception. The pacing is (I don't use this word lightly) phenomenal. The message satirical but is built with more than a few layers of truth.The only con to this play is that you'll be left wanted more by the end.

McDonagh employs sparse but gripping dialogue carrying a sense of immediacy. His settings seem provincial; they are just stand-ins for Anywhere, Ireland. Am now reading him like one gets hooked on a drug. Note this read beautifully on a Kindle Fire, and it was very helpful to go right to wiki or a dictionary on the local references.

As an actor currently engaged as a standby for the Broadway production of this amazing play - I agree with Mr Brantley!It’s confronting because when you laugh you swiftly wonder - what kind of person laughs at this?

When you go to a Martin McDonagh play, you always know what you're going to get, and you never know what you're going to get, and both of those facts are wonderful. "Hangmen," is another fantastic show, and some of his most mature writing yet—funny, tense, and morally complex. Well worth reading—or seeing, or producing, if those options are available.

Very well written and very funny. The characters are skillfully defined, with individual nuances and idiosyncrasies that comes out through strong colloquial dialogue.

Pretty dissapointed in this one. Aside from the opening scene it seemed to lack the usual mcdonagh flair.

The latest from one of the two Irish playwrights/trailblazers, this play is HILARIOUS. Forgive the pun, but it it's uproarious GALLOWS HUMOR. I love this man's work, and can't wait to see it performed. It's a blast to read!

He just writes things I like to watch and read. My opinion is my opinion, I understand it’s not fact. So, I can’t say you’ll like it, but I truly enjoyed it.

Acclaimed playwright Martin McDonagh returns to the London stage with his first published play in over a decade. And needless to say, this savage pitch-black comedy does not disappoint. Much has been said of the recently staged production at the Royal Court, soon to be transferred to London's West End, but this review is solely down to the text.McDonagh may believe theatre to be the "worst of all art forms", but there is no denying his talent when it comes to writing for the stage. After a brief but excellent stint into film (with the excellent 'In Bruges' and 'Seven Psychopaths'), he marks his return to theatre with a uncompromising portrait that gives a whole new meaning to the 'swinging sixties'. I read the script in one sitting, simply unable to put it down. 'Hangmen' makes for a cracking comic thriller, complete with petty, roundabout dialogue and a series of startling U-turns. McDonagh’s perfectly at home in this sort of backwater setting, full of imbeciles and idiosyncrasies, and his dialogue is more knowing than a pub-quiz champion. Every character excites and amuses, each treading a beautifully fine line between caricature and believability. It may not be for everyone, but for any fan of McDonagh, it is a must-read/must-see.I have yet to see the production on stage, and I look very forward to doing so come December with its West End transfer, but the script itself makes for a terrific piece of work and a fine addition to McDonagh's body of work. Deliciously dark and undeniably enthralling, 'Hangmen' further cements McDonagh as one of Britain's/Ireland's most influential and original living voices. "Another pint, lad?"

Mr McDonagh you clever man !! Having watched" The pillowman " I am now your greatest fan ! Your plays are,dark and super edgy - real yet unreal and the twists and turns the dreadful characters the wonderful characters all genuine and human - where do you get your ideas how does your mind work ?? You clever clever man !! Someone wrote he must be our greatest living playwright - no must he is !

more great work from, who I believe is, our greatest living playwright.don't read any more reviews.don't worry about the subject matter or the style.just pick up the book and read it.you will have a great night out.that's what he does.

Intelligent, beautifully written drama. Funny, dark, very personal and very individual. Amazing characters.

Well written.Very interesting.Even more after you've seen The Last Hangman with Timothy Spall.