Originally commissioned and presented by Tron Theatre, Glasgow
Shall Roger Casement Hang?
By Peter Arnott
Mon 15 – Fri 19 June 2026
Hill Street Theatre, Edinburgh
Based on real events in the run up to the Easter Rising, 1916, Shall Roger Casement Hang? is a dramatisation of the diplomat and Irish Nationalist’s arrest and interrogation. A confrontation of two men who have served Britain, it asks fundamental questions about history, colonialism, and national identity. The stakes are raised when violent events elsewhere and a revelation of Casement’s identity come to light, ensuring that the Empire they have both served will never be the same again.
Written by Peter Arnott 100 years after the events that inspired it, Shall Roger Casement Hang? premiered at the Tron Theatre as part of its 2016 Mayfesto season in the wake of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. In a year when the population of Scotland go to the polls for the seventh Scottish Parliament election, Union Theatre revisit this important piece of work ten years on, with the question of Scottish independence as prevalent as ever and in the shadow of rising violence across Britain all in the name of national identity.
Contains homophobic and racial slurs and frequent use of strong language; explicit and disturbing images.
About the Author
Peter Arnott is often described as one of Scotland’s most beloved and prolific playwrights. With a career that spans theatre across Scotland and elsewhere, his dramatic works include White Rose (Traverse Theatre, 1985), The Signalman (Play, Pie & a Pint, 2019) and the award-winning The Breathing House (The Royal Lyceum, 2023).
We’re delighted that Peter Arnott will be in attendance for a post-performance Q&A, Monday 15 June. Spaces are limited, so please book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Creative Team
ROGER CASEMENT Paul Arendt
CPT. REGINALD HALL Adrian Moore
ELIMA (VO) Paule Yimga Tchamdjou
DIRECTOR Hannah Bradley Croall
ASST. DIRECTOR John Lally
LIGHTS | SOUND Rob Shields
PROJECTION Gregor McElvogue
SET Michael Mulligan
Press
“A convincing and intimate piece of theatre realised with great care.” All Edinburgh Theatre
“Rigorous, intelligent theatre, demanding but ultimately rewarding” Corr Blimey
“A perfect piece of everyday fringe theatre, a play with broadly spanning ideas, lofty aims and smart storytelling, performed and staged well and accessible to anyone and everyone. Something modern theatre could stand to see a lot more often.” British Theatre Guide
“The inaugural offering from the newly launched Union Theatre Company, is an ambitious and thought-provoking production. It delivers many delights, particularly in the quality of the acting” Broadway Baby
“Paul Arendt delivers a captivating performance as Casement… Adrian Moore is fantastic as Captain Reginald Hall” The Nerd Party | Filibuster
“Union Theatre Company have delivered a bold and impressive debut.” The Reviews Hub
This production was presented by the kind arrangement of the author.
Statue of Casement, Dun Laoghaire image used under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.