The 39 Steps

One of my lasting memories of the film is of Richard Hannay climbing around the face of Big Ben and so I wondered how on earth that could be achieved on a small stage in Sunbury on Thames, but then I didn’t know that the original story had been made into a play so cleverly adapted by Patrick Barlow.

The set of Hannay’s room was good and was used/changed for each venue that followed by the simple addition of throws, table cloth etc. Properties and furniture were all suitable for the era. The speedy cobbling together of a train using four chairs added to the comedy -- of which there was an abundance.

In the past I have sometimes found the costumes disappointing but not this time. The production was extremely well, and appropriately, dressed.

Until the telephone failed to stop ringing on cue, in the first scene I believe, I had no idea that we were watching such a brilliant comedic version of this classic story. It really was full of humour, superbly delivered by impeccable timing of the four actors on stage.

My written comments on each actor all read the same – ‘excellent’!

The use of the auditorium, stairway and doors to the tea room gave a greater depth to the staging, and of course the chase scenes were much more realistic because of it.

There were so many wonderfully entertaining moments and I found the one on the station with the two men changing hats/characters so rapidly was particularly notable.

I also loved the bagpipes and kilt and the Scottish accents were most credible.

Hannay’s speech from the lectern was another memorable moment as was Mr Memory’s incredibly long recital of the formula!  

Sound effects and lighting both complemented and supported the production strongly and the airplane crash was a triumph!

Marion’s stage direction was highly commendable and she made every area in the centre work as an integral part of the production.

Your programme is informative with an imaginative front cover, followed by the more traditional ’39 Steps’ one inside.

There is little more for me to add except to thank you for inviting me to see ‘The 39 Steps’ and also for the hospitality I received on the evening I attended. I was very pleased to meet Marion in the interval too.

My congratulations to her and everyone involved in the production.The play was first rate from start to finish, the actors were extremely accomplished and the back stage crew, costume changes included, all worked perfectly.

Without doubt this is the best production I have seen by Riverside Players and I now eagerly look forward to the next one in 2024.

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