The stage version of Alfred Hitchcock’s film adaptation of John Buchan’s famous novel is a comedy spy thriller which is fast-paced, entertaining and a jolly fun night out.
Richard Hannay, with his stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho attitude and pencil moustache, is happily enjoying an evening at the theatre when gunshots are fired. Richard finds himself consoling a lady, Annabella Smith, who, after she persuades him to take her home so she can rest, informs him that she’s a spy and has uncovered a plot to steal British secrets by a man missing the top of one finger. She mentions ‘The 39 Steps’ with no further explanation. Later that night, her dying words, as she has a dagger in her back, Annabella tells Richard to run. Richard takes the map she is holding and makes a run for it, dressed as a milkman to avoid the waiting assassins.
The map shows a place in Scotland so the only thing he can think of doing is going there to find out what’s going on. On the train journey up he is aware there is a nationwide manhunt for Annabella Smith’s murderer and he is the main suspect! Richard is on a mission to find the truth and to clear his name.
This is a comedy whodunnit murder mystery suspense thriller with constant comedy moments which brings much laughter. It contains slapstick, farcical and silly humour alongside physical and visual comedy all with perfect comedy timing. It has an intertwining storyline which has twists and turns to keep the audience guessing and is easy to follow.
There are over 130 characters in the play, all brought to life by four energetic and brilliant actors. This is a recipe for merriment, whether it is the speed of character change when say eight of the characters are on stage at the same time. The use of hats works well as the actors were performing mental acrobatics swapping facial expressions, accents and character portrayal in breakneck speeds in order to keep the pace and flow of the show. It was quite the spectacle.
The set allowed the space and the clever props allowed the tools for plenty of physical agility from the actors, whether it was climbing through window frames or being chased on top of the train. The wooden panel set was very smart as there were countless sliding panels revealing props which quickly and easily set a scene.
The actors were fantastic and just funny: Mateo Oxley, Phil Yarrow, Danielle Bird and Mei Mei MacLeod
The 39 Steps is at Mercury Theatre Colchester until 29th March – go here for more info.
Go here for video review on YouTube.