The opening scenes of The Standard Short Long Drop give the initial impression that this might be a dark comedy, with some amusing exchanges between the two prisoners. When discussing the ten to twenty minute period it may take to die from hanging, they discuss what they will do. Alistair moots the idea of telling himself a story before dismissing it: “who wants to die on a cliffhanger?” Later, when discussing the details of executions, Ludley declares “I’m famously delicate!”
This lighter, gallows humour soon dissipates, replaced by a darker tone. As they begin to discuss their respective crimes, Ludley’s claim that he is a horse thief immediately arouses suspicion – stealing a horse would not merit being sentenced to the gallows. And the enigmatic Alistair is initially more evasive to reveal what he’s charged with: “It’s complicated”.
The drama ratchets up when the younger man is offered a stay of execution but only if he will serve as hangman to his fellow cellmate. Gradually as the play progresses, defences are broken down, questions of morality are faced head on, and secrets are revealed between the two as they begin to trust and understand each other.