The State vs. John Hayes – one-woman drama at Salford’s Lowry

Psychological thriller, The State vs. John Hayes, is coming to the Lowry for one night in January. Set in a Texas prison in 1959, the play centres on Elyese Dukie, a woman on death row for double murder. It is the night before her last trip to court, and she reveals to the audience that she is not alone in her own mind. She has a male alter-ego: the titular John Hayes, who might be the one responsible for her crimes. Will Elyese face the electric chair or be sent to a psychiatric hospital? This one-woman piece is written and performed by Lucy Roslyn, and is based on her extensive research into female killers. The play was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and received good reviews, with critics praising Rosyln’s performance.

Thu 22 Jan, The Studio, The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ, 8pm, £12 (£10 conc.), www.thelowry.com