The Missing

The search for missing people, and the people they leave behind is the painful subject of Andrew O’Hagan’s The Missing. Adapted from O’Hagan’s acclaimed novel of the same name, and directed by John Tiffany, this production is a compelling and original peice of contemporary and emotive Scottish theatre.

Beginning in 1994, The Missing follows O’Hagan (Joe McFadden) from Gloucester to London, to Glasgow and Ayrshire as he attempts to draw attention to the plight of the families across the UK who have trying to find missing relatives and loved ones. Beginning with the discovery of the victims of Fred and Rose West, O’Hagan attempts to discover why some people go missing, and how those left behind cope in their absence.  It begins with the horrors that were uncovered in 25 Cromwell Street in Gloucester in April 1994, and then briefly mentions the crimes of Bible John. But The Missing isn’t a play that aims to sensationalise or explain the motives of murderers, instead it concerns itself with why certain people can simply disappear from life, and leave no trace or paper trail as to where they have gone, or who they were.

The play briefly delves into issues of accountability and responsibility as to whose task it should be to report and look for a missing person or ‘MisPer’. After this, The Missing quickly turns to families and friends to find out how they coped when a loved one simply vanishes without warning.

Crafted with understanding, care and an absolute respect for the missing person and their loved ones, this show looks beyond the headlines, beyond the search and presents the reality of living in a perpetual limbo of waiting for a missing person to return home and back into their lives once more. Thought provoking, well-researched, and above all incredibly moving, Tiffany’s The Missing has been expertly and carefully brought to the stage using David Paul Jones’ music, and Ian William Galloway’s video, in order to celebrate humanity’s ability to survive and carry on in unimaginably painful circumstances. Performed by an exceptional cast with simple but effective chorography by Imogen Knight, O’Hagan’s adaptation is a stand-out addition to the NTS’ Autumn/Winter season.