Hangmen, Royal Court ****

The Royal Court has somewhat diverted from its radical and experimental pathway with the latest Martin McDonagh play, which feels far more of a traditional piece than usual, with a more or less old-fashioned set from Anna Fleischle (apart from a spectacular scene change after a shocking prologue) and a structure that resembles a 'normal' play . This was my first McDonagh play and, despite the above, I was taken aback at how dark this piece is. Humour is found in the most shocking places with a final scene that was horrifying yet hilarious at the same time. Whilst the play lacks emotion at times, it is expertly crafted . The cast solidly reinforces this with David Morrisey (a hearty 'hello to Jason Isaacs' to him) playing Harry the hangman and publican with a sense of hubris and a menacing façade hiding an all too human man whose heart is shown at the twist before the interval. Reece Sheersmith plays a part that suits his style, reminding me of characters in Phsycoville and the excellent Inside No. 9, and is fantastically comic in his earnest and Machiavellian role. Jonny Flynn's Mooney is also fantastically unhinged and unpredictable. My sole criticism would be the casting of an all white cast which doesn't seem too important but I don't particularly want to rant about that again. A West End run seems inevitable for this remarkably macabre and smoky production and it will be deserved from a play that is wonderfully divisive and manipulative.