A theatrical performance in two acts with an introduction by the author. The story of John 'Babbacombe' Lee is one of the most peculiar in the history of crime in England. He is the only one who was saved by the Under-Secretary of the Interior after standing on a noose that did not open. This happened at Exeter prison in 1885, when the notoriously clumsy public executioner James Berry failed after three unsuccessful attempts. Lee spent 23 years in prison before being released. In his retirement, Berry from Heckmondwike in Yorkshire, who executed 131 convicts, was the first executioner to write about his experiences in My Experiences As An Executioner. His notoriety led him to appear in music halls, narrating gruesome stories from his former profession and showing the audience his dark memories. Mike Crowley's fictional performance takes place in a fringe northern music hall, where the owner wants to revive the glories of the old days by persuading Lee to collaborate with Berry in a double performance. Did John Lee commit the crime for which he was about to be hanged? Did poetic justice intervene on that crucial day in Exeter to prevent an injustice? Will Lee stand on stage again with the noose around his neck, in front of the audience? And will the truth be revealed as Lee begins to trust the woman who has been cast as the leading role during rehearsals? 'The Man They Couldn't Hang' by Mike Crowley, a prison writer, is an ideal tool for highlighting issues of crime and punishment. It is particularly useful for theater groups inside and outside prison, as well as for teachers or group leaders seeking innovative ways to engage participants in issues of criminal justice and crime.

Pages: 140, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm