Marianne Oldham appears in debbie tucker green’s hang. The production opens at Studio Sheffield on 26 February until 9 March, with previews from 21 February.
You’re appearing in hang at Sheffield Crucible, what can you tell us about it?
It’s a dark comedy. It tells the story of a woman who has been the victim of a very serious crime, and now she faces the world of bureaucracy as she fights to fix her world, her world that has become unbearable in the aftermath. And of course, bureaucracy and protocol appear ridiculous in the face of the honest truth.
What first attracted you to this production?
I loved how the play put ‘rules and regulations’ to shame in the light of the cold hard truth of a situation. Today, a company’s ethic or stance on a problem or solution can be so mind shatteringly impersonal. So, I loved how the play holds that up to the light. I was also very inspired by Taio Lawson, the director, who I thought was fab.
How would you describe your character?
My character I feel is in a bit of a desperate place in her personal life, so very keen to keep things safe and steady at work. She doesn’t want to be affected in the way that she ultimately is.
Do you think you could ever make the kind of decisions the characters do in hang?
I don’t think so, but to be continually affected by changes: possible changes in the law; letters appearing; appeals being made – you could never get on with putting the thing behind you and moving on. So that aspect of it – of you just wanting it to finish, to be finished with, I do understand, yes.
What do you enjoy most about debbie tucker green’s writing?
How, if you manage to be absolutely accurate with it – which is a challenging task – it absolutely sings. It’s very rewarding writing to play.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see hang?
Enjoy! It’s thought provoking, fast paced, and a cracking piece of drama. You’ll be back in the bar in just over an hour having hopefully been horrified and amused in equal – and in disquieting -measures.
hang is at the Crucible Studio theatre in Sheffield until Saturday 9 March. Tickets are on sale now and available from the Box Office, by calling 0114 249 6000 or online here.
