You may know THE 39 STEPS as a classic 1935 Alfred Hitchcock thriller, which was actually loosely based on the 1915 novel. What we have on stage at the New Theatre this week is a very loosely based retelling of the Hitchcock movie, like you’ve never seen before.
What is so incredible about this play, apart from the fact it’s a stroke of comedy genius, is that four actors take on something like 139 characters over the hour and a half plus it’s on stage. For that reason alone it’s worth the price of a ticket. It’s clever, funny and smart, which is pretty much the reaction from audiences wherever the show plays…..
If you’re a fan of the movie you may wonder how they managed to get this story onto any stage at all, with its chase across the roof of The Flying Scotsman, plane crash and death-defying escape on the Forth Bridge, let alone the 139 characters. Yet somehow they do it, not with a massive, ever-changing set or clever digital projection (although there is some projection), but the best form of theatre ever, a great cast and our vivid imagination.
The 39 Steps tells the tale of our hero Richard Hannay (TOM BYRNE), a bored London gent whose life suddenly becomes more interesting when the mysterious Annabella Schmidt is murdered in his apartment. Framed for her murder, Richard flees London for Scotland to find out the answers to these and other questions, reluctantly accompanied by the prim Pamela (SAFEENA LADHA), who inadvertently finds herself handcuffed to him.
Everything you’d expect about this show is as it should be. The upper lips are stiff, the moustaches are pencil thin and the femme fatale is sensual and seductive. Incredibly, all the things Hitchcock added to his movie are here too. I don’t want to say much as the joke is in the watching, but trust me, there will be snow, planes, trains and there are most certainly plenty of action filled chases.
Tom is the perfect Hannay, with a touch of Bertie Wooster and enough bumbling to make him really likeable. Paired with Safeena, who starts as the murdered spy Annabella Schmidt but really excels as Pamela, and you have a brilliant comedy pairing. But it’s the clowns who really bring PATRICK BARLOW’S adaptation to life. And for the first time for this production, one of the roles is played by a woman – MADDIE RICE, and with EUGENE MCCOY as Clown 1, they are a brilliant combination. The comic timing is impeccable and the chemistry between the two of them is brilliant.
For us to even begin to list the characters they slip in and out of with dastardly dashing speed would be ridiculous, and to be honest would take up most of this review.
I will give you a little word of warning, your belly will ache as you laugh your way through their scene as Scottish hoteliers, complete with tam o’ shanter (hat) kilts and tartan socks.
The show is incredibly funny, but clever too and I reckon you need to see it twice to catch all the subtle touches. But you have to be in awe of the cast who take on the most challenging of productions. As I say it again I can’t quite believe they play 139 roles, and they do it with faultless with energy. Their dexterity is impressive, especially when they are trying to deliver slapstick and farce of the highest calibre.
I was trying to think of something to compare the show to and Ripping Yarns and Monty Python both came to mind. But then I remembered the Comic Strip version of the Famous Five where the characters were played with an old-fashioned, almost naive niceness about them and that’s what I got from The 39 Steps.
It’s so nice to go into a show where you feel safe knowing the humour is good natured, the laughs are plentiful and the story is cleverly told. They say this production is suitable for ages 7 and above, and I can vouch for that, it is perfect to take the kids along to.
In fact, there’s an eduction pack to accompany the show, specifically for teachers who want to explore, within the classroom, particular aspects of the play and how theatre is created. You can download that HERE.
As you can no doubt tell we really enjoyed the show and one we have no hesitation in recommending. It’s easy to see why this production is such a hit wherever it plays and has picked up some pretty impressive awards along the way.
Just one thing to watch out for. Hitch was famous for making a cameo appearance in each of his movies, keep your eyes open during the show, you may be in for a little Alfred shaped treat.
It would be wrong of me not to mention the backstage team, who made a short curtain call appearance at the end. The way the props, sound and lighting fit around the storytelling really take this show up a notch or two. It’s a real credit to the whole team behind this first class production.
THE 39 STEPS is at the New Theatre in Cardiff for the rest of the week with performances at 7:30pm each evening and a 2:30pm matinee today (Wednesday) and Saturday. For more details and to get tickets, go HERE.
