By Jennifer Beasley.
An action paced comedic feast through the film noir lens of Hitchcock’s cinematic retelling of The 39 Steps will leave you breathless from laughter. Keep your wits about you and hold onto your hats – this is one hell of a comedy ride!
After viewing The 39 Steps, produced by Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions, and held at the Comedy Theatre, I was transported into my ‘happy place’. At 2 hours and 20 minutes, with a 20-minute interval to allow you to catch your breath and relax those laughter lines, it will send you into a feel-good vibe too.
The original novel by John Buchan was made into that classic movie in 1935 by Alfred Hitchcock. The film plot forms the basis of this performance. An innocent Canadian called Richard Hannay is accused of murdering an agent and then is forced to act on the information the dying spy gives him, to prove his innocence and solve the mystery of the 39 steps.
The original play was written by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon in 1996, who came up with the idea that the play could be performed by 4 actors inhabiting 130 characters. Sounds a bit much?
Not when famed playwright Patrick Barlow got hold of it in 2005, winning him an Oliver Award for his efforts and a nomination for a Tony.
It’s difficult to state who are the standouts in this clever and very funny play. The magnificent Ian Stenlake gives a brilliant performance as the hapless Hanney, who we first meet as a man trying to find meaning and whose unexpected meeting at a theatre with a spy called Annabella Schmidt (a transformed Lisa McCune shines) ultimately leads to her death. Pursued by the Furies of injustice, he must use his quick wits to evade the police and various spies along the way, ultimately finding an unexpected love as he wins the day.
And the Umbilical Brothers? I love you guys! This play fits in perfectly with their kinetic style. David Collins and Shane Dundas round out the remaining 130 characters. Utterly brilliant as they channel at times Abbot and Costello, aspects of Monty Python and their own special brand of kookiness, while lancing the audience with their sharp acting abilities. I must applaud the Company Production Manager Tony Noble and Stage Manager Bradley Barrack for allowing these boys the scope that they have in this play. It’s also a credit to the marvellous direction that Damien Ryan delivers. His calculating eye knows when to let the Umbi’s loose, and when to pull them back into the fold, producing a streamlined arc that satisfies the audience.
As Damien Ryan states this play is ‘prose, playwriting and celluloid’ that all inhabit a theatrical space. The incredible efforts of the creative team must also be recognised. The grayscale costumes designed by James Browne, are a perfect reflection of the shadow set, adding a true ‘cinematic’ feel. McCune’s costumes are amazing for her three characters, and her differing portrayals of the whiskey obsessed Annabella Schmidt, the Scottish sex-mad twirling Margaret and the stoic Pamela are all equally brilliant.
A strong musical element from Brady Watkins that punctuates and is utilised at times to comical perfection by the Umbilical Brothers also showcases the lighting talents of Matthew Marshall, adding dramatic effect.
The accents were on point, thanks to the gifted coaching by Jennifer White, which helped define and maintain the various identities. Also of note were the fight scenes, a mix of slow-motion action and frenzied limbs, directed with inspiration by Scott Witt.
This play carries you along on a journey that includes a train, a car, breaking the fourth wall and a mad dash into the moors, as these four accomplished actors work like a well-oiled unit to deliver their very best.
Be prepared to be delighted, amused and absolutely entertained in the mystery of The 39 Steps. Just don’t die of laughter!
A well-deserved standing ovation from the audience too. What greater praise can you ask for?
The 39 Steps plays at the Comedy Theatre, at selected times (check Ticketek) until 4th October 2025.
Image: Cameron Grant
