The 39 Steps

THE 39 STEPS

Presented by

STONE REVELLERS

I must firstly state that The 39 Steps, is one of my favourite film to stage plays. The film version with Kenneth Moore is instantly watchable no matter what part of the story I happen to see it at.

The stage comedy farce is pure genius – it is so close to the film version, yet just tipped over the edge from serious spy thriller into utter hilarity through the skilled interpretation of the films characters by the multiple part playing cast, a delight to watch and probably the most fun you could have on stage this side of pantomime.

Patrick Barlow’s comedy of Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps is adapted from an earlier stage version by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon of Hitchcock’s 1935 film based on John Buchan’s 1915 novel The Thirty-Nine Steps. 

The innocent man on the run, Richard Hannay – Sean Galloghly, falsely accused of murdering spy Annabella Schmitt in his London flat, follows her clues to the Scottish Highlands to meet someone to answer the question, ‘What are the 39 Steps’? Just how are they a danger to the British Isles? I loved the momentary pause to hear his ever glowing radio announcer wanted man description.

Jen MacEachan plays German spy Annabella, Teacher Pamela and Highland Farmer’s wife Margaret. Great platform for her talents bringing the different characters to life.

Almost every other role often several at a time, covered with much aplomb and hilarity by Matt Wright and Rob Stanway, subtly aided and abetted throughout by stagehands Matt Giles, Mick Duckworth and Neil Norman.

The 39 Steps is a rip roaring romp, fabulously stylish, Hitchcock theme music utilised throughout, Psycho, North by Northwest, The Dick Barton Theme, aurally adding to the manic controlled chaos.

Kath Stanway Directed up a storm, The famous Flying Scotsman Forth Road Bridge scene, The Scottish farmer was a hoot and then some, with his constantly attached pitchfork, even at the supper table, his saying of grace was comic gold. The blood hounds scouring the glen, say no more.

Absolutely terrific fun, from start to finish.

 

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