Powerful cast announced for The Long Drop

At the heart of this electrifying production is Brian Vernel, stepping into the role of infamous Glasgow serial killer Peter Manuel, known as the “Beast of Birkenshaw.” With a standout screen career that includes Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Last Kingdom, Slow Horses and Gangs of London, Vernel brings a formidable presence to this dark and complex role. Opposite him, Keith Fleming returns to the Citizens Theatre as William Watt — a man caught in suspicion and grief – marking his 19th collaboration with director Dominic Hill.

We’re thrilled to reveal a powerhouse seven-strong ensemble cast, featuring Andy Clark, Martin Donaghy, George Drennan, Mary Gapinski and Robert Jack, alongside Vernel and Fleming. This dynamic group of performers will take on multiple roles, guiding audiences through a shadowy world of suspicion, manipulation and uneasy truths.

Adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Linda McLean and directed by Artistic Director Dominic Hill, The Long Drop promises a thrilling theatrical experience. Mina’s story unfolds during a tense and unsettling pub crawl through Glasgow, where Manuel inserts himself into the life of William Watt – the husband and father of three of his victims – who is himself under suspicion. What follows is a chilling psychological game of cat and mouse, filled with half-truths, dark humour and creeping dread.

Set against a backdrop of smoky bars, dimly lit streets and shifting loyalties, this adaptation captures the razor-sharp wit and moral complexity of Mina’s writing. It’s a production that doesn’t shy away from the darkness at its core, instead embracing it to deliver a story that is as thought-provoking as it is gripping.

Director Dominic Hill describes the play as a powerful blend of “dark comedy in the shadows” and unflinching horror, adding that it’s especially meaningful to see the production come to life on the Main Stage after being commissioned during the theatre’s closure. With Glasgow’s enduring fascination with true crime, The Long Drop feels like a story that will resonate deeply with audiences.

This new adaptation of The Long Drop is more than just a crime story – it’s a darkly stylish descent into the psyche of a city and the men within it. We can’t wait to welcome audiences to experience this unforgettable production at the Citizens Theatre.