Dark comedy 'Making a Killing' tells the extraordinary story of a 17th century public executioner.
A darkly comic and thought-provoking new play inspired by real historical events is coming to The Georgian Theatre Royal this month.
Making a Killing will be performed on Saturday 18 April at 7.30pm, telling the extraordinary story of the real-life executioner Frantz Schmidt and the brutal world in which he lived and worked.
When Claus Kohler is apprenticed to Nuremberg’s master executioner, Frantz Schmidt, he is thrust into a grim profession where the lines between justice, duty and morality are constantly blurred. As the gallows fill and suspicion grows, both men are forced to confront difficult questions about power, responsibility and survival – and to decide which side of the rope they truly stand on.
Performed by just two actors, Making a Killing blends gripping storytelling with razor-sharp humour to explore the darker side of history. The play is inspired by The Journal of Master Frantz Schmidt, Public Executioner of Nuremberg, 1573–1617, the remarkable memoir of a man whose profession was to take lives in the name of justice.
Through wit, tension and powerful performances, the production offers audiences a compelling look at corruption, conscience and the human cost of carrying out the law.
Age guidance: 14+.
Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01748 825252 or via the theatre’s website.