The 39 Steps

I’m sure, like many others in the audience tonight, having read the novel The 39 Steps by John Buchan and seeing the Alfred Hitchcock film, I was particularly looking forward to seeing Enville Street Dramatic Society perform the play.

It had been a while since I had originally seen the play but I do remember it being very silly and lots of fun. I am a Hitchcock and a Monty Python fan so naturally I discovered this gem of a play whilst devouring as much as I could in my younger days. By the way, I do believe this is the first time I have ever written, “in my younger days!”

The play is considered a popular choice and I particularly enjoyed the moments paying homage to some of Hitchcock’s works. It is a parody of the original story written for and meant for only 4 cast members; Enville Street Dramatic Society had a cast of 11. This was interesting as it produced a new dynamic to some scenes which sometimes worked, sometimes didn’t. However, the company achieved a nice enough pace which led the story through the many locations and characters with a nice slice of fun which was required not to take itself so seriously. The lights and sound also helped in abundance in achieving some of the comedy moments. I think one of the best things about this type of play, is if things "truly do go wrong", if somebody forgets a line for example or a sound effect is not quite in the right place (by the way the latter is usually by design and totally adds to the silliness of the play of course) then there is ample opportunty to potentially use a little improvisational skill and enjoy the "mistake". Important to try and not panic. 

There is something quite special about the scale of this play with the vast many locations and it's charming array of props, characters, accents, costumes and lots of nice little touches of randomness.

The company had a lot of fun and the play had some very memorable moments; like smashing a window and then stepping through it, this never failed to make me laugh. I also enjoyed the train ride when the character of Richard Hanney, played by Simon Cooper escaped out through the window, demonstrating some great physical comedy, showing the wind in his facial expressions and the flap of his hat. Also, a special mention to the mumbling character of Mcquarrie played by Vicki Pritchard. This scene was very Monty Python and I would have liked for this quiet mumbling speech to last just a minute longer. Vicki held the audience well with lots of giggles. Another memorable scene was the shadow puppet chase on the moor with a wonderfully random and great cameo by Hitchcock.

Simon Cooper who played Richard Hanney was simply great, He remained consistent throughout with good diction and great facial expressions. He certainly had the charisma and charm required and was massively influential in keeping the pace of the play going.

Annabella was played by multi talented Jess Skidmore who shone with her experience, strong body poses and wit. Jess also played an award-winning performance of a “puddle” which needs to be recognised by NODA as genius!

David Lavender played some good parts, including “Mr Memory”, the character who was about to reveal what are the 39 steps are before he was shot.  

Karl Byrne also showed that he is able to hold an accent consistently and showed some good distinction between the characters he played.  

Sandra Harrold played Pamela who did a good job of “snitching” and getting Richard Hanney into trouble. Carey Esthop, Emma Hails and Wendy Hemming had nice parts to add to the pandemonium and Steve Taylor had a nice delivered joke about the hymn book which stopped a bullet and saved Richard Hanney’s life. “Some of those Hymns are tough to get through!”

A special mention to Rebecca Dallaway who had a tremendous smile and played the part of the milkman well. 

Overall Enville Street Dramatic Society provided a very entertaining night. I really appreciated the kind invitation and I am intrigued to what the next show might be.

Thank you very much and I hope to see you again soon. Congratulations again on a very entertaining evening.

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