The 39 Steps

This was the first time that I have had the opportunity to see and report on this play, performed in the quaintest of venues, Tynemouth Priory Theatre. ‘The 39 Steps’ is an adventure novel written by Scottish author John Buchan, and later formed the basis for a number of film adaptations including Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 version.  This version is a frivolously hilarious and terribly British upper-class farce, with an intelligent wit encountering murder, secret agents and a number of interesting characters set in the 1930’s and, incredibly, performed by a cast of only four. Directors Ali Broughton and Ann Leake had worked wonders and provided an amazing performance of exquisitely timed comedy pieces using some superb simple improvisation techniques which caused many involuntary chuckles, snorts and giggles, and for some strange but particular reason this play really does work as a terrific piece of theatre. Well done to you both as this was a superb piece of direction. There were so many well-directed scenes to mention, but some of my favourites were the amazing train scene, so wonderfully directed and extremely funny, the wardrobe that turned into the bedroom scene, and the hilarious scene in Scotland involving a hilarious sequence of door manoeuvres. It still has me laughing now just thinking about it.

The basic story involves a stout hearted English chap who finds himself drawn into a web of espionage and intrigue, having met a German lady at the theatre who persuades him to take her back to his apartment.  Within minutes of entering his apartment she is found dead across his lap and the adventure begins, taking him on a dangerous train journey to Scotland before returning to the theatre to reveal the mystery of the 39 Steps.

This play certainly needs team work, and the four actors certainly knew how to work together and confidently rely on each, other resulting in a very successful and in my opinion an outstanding production.  Jo Cosgrove, as Anabella Schmidt, Margaret, and Pamela, played the perfect femme fatale in each of her scenes.  She owned the stage with perfect dialogue, and provided the audience with a cascade of short-lived characters after her early death.   She brought glamour and romance to the play through her three different characters and had the misfortune to end up handcuffed to Hannay, so was forced to join him on his adventure.  Steve Smith played the hero on the run Richard Hannay.  With his suitably stiff upper lip and charm he held the audience’s attention throughout while he juggled the tone of the play perfectly.  The duo of “clowns”, David Cosgrove and Brendan Egan, provided a myriad of characters both male and female.  Both actors appeared to be in their element with their exceptional comic timing and energy and  they instantly set the tone and kept the performance moving using different accents and at times changing characters very quickly on stage in front of the audience in a matter of seconds.  

The costumes provided by The Priory Wardrobe Team were in keeping with the period, and a special mention to the props and dressing crew Anne Hogg, Maggie Young and Alex Heppell, who supported the actors.   With the many changes involved they certainly had their work cut out.

Well done to Robin Herron and John Leake for the scenery and set design.  It was excellent though minimal, and it certainly created depth. There was large number of props and furniture which helped create the overall effect of the play, and good creative lighting and sound was provided by James Parkinson and Andy Gilmore.

Overall this was an excellent professional performance.  Well done to everyone involved in this production.

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