The 39 Steps

Centenary Theatre Company were back on stage with their first play in four years, namely ‘The 39 Steps’ being directed by Dan Grimes. Adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock, the play is described as ‘A comedy thriller where Alfred Hitchcock meets Monty Python.’ There was a sense of play throughout the production, with actors playing a wide range of characters and some inventive staging. In terms of staging, it was relatively simply set, with furniture bring brought on. What impressed was the inventiveness of creating the train and the car from everyday objects. The fire grate as the radiator of the car was so simple, yet so clever! The commitment of the cast when interacting with these made it totally believable. Some of the scene changes did take some time, but what impressed was the actors were still acting in the blackouts. The scene changes did slow down the pace of the play, but the cast did well to ensure that the pace was kept up. The physical comedy and slapstick moments were well directed. The chase on the train was very funny and genius. The performers really got across that they were on top of a fast moving train. The costumes throughout were suited to the time and were well-thought out for the quick changes. What was great about the production was that the audience could just sit back and enjoy a very well-constructed comedy, delivered by a great cast and director.

Lighting and sound were well integrated into the production. The technical elements were well cued throughout in this fast moving production, with some moments adding to the comedy, including the phone still ringing when picked up. These moments were well played.

Seb Farrell played the leading man, Richard Hannay. This was a commanding performance from Seb, who was rarely off stage. Excellent stage presence, diction and projection. Seb has a great knack for comedy, and he was able to display his comedic skills throughout. The physical comedy was very well done. It was an engaging performance from start to finish.

Natalie Hayes took on the roles of Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret. This was a good performance form Natalie. She successfully created three totally different characters. Good accent work with an Eastern European accent, Scottish brogue and clipped English. Natalie performed the comedic sequences well. The slapstick elements when handcuffed were well delivered. Natalie needed to project more to ensure that everything could be heard.

Phil Dean and Kenneth McConaghy played a variety of roles throughout between them, adding to the comedy of the production. Both were very funny, and were able to change characters quickly, through split-second costume changes, changes of accent and changes to their physicality. This double-act worked well together, as well as with Seb and Natalie, ensuring that the pace never slowed.

Having Peter Brennan appear as the Caretaker was an interesting concept; this could have been pushed further to highlight the farcical nature of the production. Peter was suitably funny in the role, with great reactions throughout.

Overall, this was a good production. There were some excellent comedy performances, inventive staging, and some good technical elements.

Thank you to Centenary Theatre Company for your kind invite and hospitality. All the best for your next production, ‘Nativity!’ in November.

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