Name: Making a Killing - Ha Hum Ah
Start: 2026-04-11T19:30:00+01:00
Location: Sterts Arts and Environmental Centre

Making a Killing by Ben Kernow
ABOUT THE SHOW

The ropes are ready, the crowd is waiting, and the hangman has a new apprentice. When Claus Kohler is apprenticed to Frantz Schmidt, Nuremberg’s seasoned executioner, the two men are thrown together in a world where duty, morality, and power collide, and every decision leaves a mark. But as the gallows fill and suspicion takes root, their fates become dangerously entwined, until both must decide who they are, and which side of the rope they stand on.

Performed by just two actors, Making a Killing is a razor-sharp, dark comedy about justice, corruption, and the cost of survival in a world disturbingly like our own. Bold, biting, and impossible to ignore, the play takes inspiration from The Journal of Master Frantz Schmidt, Public Executioner of Nuremberg, 1573–1617. A remarkable historical record that lays bare the humanity and contradictions of a man who killed for a living.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including 20 minute interval)
Age recommendation: 14+
Tickets: £15
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Ha Hum Ah Productions CIC is an award-winning theatre and film production company based in Cornwall. They create bold, imaginative and accessible stories that spark curiosity and connection. Founded in 2018, Ha Hum Ah began as a co-operative-style theatre company — a creative home where actors, directors, writers, and designers of all backgrounds could collaborate and co-produce ambitious new work. From the start, our process has been rooted in ensemble-led making, physical play, inventive storytelling, and deep creative trust between artists.
ABOUT STERTS
Originally a pig farm, Sterts is a four acre site where nature and creativity collide and is home to the Barn Theatre (400 seats), multi-purpose Sturrock Studio (50-70 seats) and Community Hub. Following a period of major redevelopment in 2024, the original amphitheatre is now covered by a solar powered barn, which is run solely off renewable energy.
The Barn Theatre has retained the original amphitheatre bench seating, so we recommend bringing a cushion to sit on.
The Barn Theatre is wind and rain proof but is not a heated space. Therefore, we encourage you to dress for the weather and embrace the elements. Wrap up warm and bring a blanket – especially in the spring and autumn.
FOOD AND DRINK
Our on site bar stocks drinks from The Cornish Wine Company, snacks from Redmoor Snacks and Ice Cream from Treleavens Luxury Cornish Ice Cream. Our bar opens one hour before Barn Theatre performances. Sterts does not have an onsite cafe, so we recommend visiting one of our local pubs, restaurants or farm shops for pre-show food. Our bar is staffed by our wonderful volunteer team throughout the year. Audiences are welcome to bring a picnic to site but please do not bring alcohol to the premises.
HOW TO GET HERE
Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre is in Upton Cross, just six miles from Liskeard, eight miles from Callington and ten miles from Launceston. Sterts is within easy reach of the A30 and A38, a one hour drive from Truro and 45 minute drive from Plymouth.
Public Transport is limited. Want to limit your carbon footprint or save money on fuel? Check out the national Liftshare network and find someone to share your journey with.
PARKING
We have free onsite parking, including disabled parking. From January 2026, we will have to 2 EV car charging points on our site. We recommend arriving in good time for each performance.
ACCESSIBILITY
We have a registered Changing Place on site.
The Barn Theatre is a 150m walk from the car park with level access to seating at the top of the theatre.
Hand rails are installed on the far left and right of the seating. Our Barn Theatre does not have a lift or hearing loop, however there are plans to install these in the future. Our seating is unreserved, however we will always reserve seating for audience members with access needs and are happy to provide chairs if needed. Please contact us on 01579 362382 or [email protected] and our team will be happy to help.