The 39 Steps

Adapted from the novel by John Buchan and the film by Alfred Hitchcock The 39 Steps was a show I had not seen before but had heard great things about. This production by the Pantheon Club certainly lived up to and indeed exceeded my expectations.

With a cast of only 5 playing all the roles the actors had to been on top form and they certainly were. As Richard Hannay, Neil Campbell, was the main protagonist who was hardly ever off the stage. Neil captured the role perfectly, fully immersed in the character as the handsome hero with a fine pencil moustache determined to clear his name and solve the mystery of the 39 Steps.

As Clown X and Clown Y Kris Morrison and Fraser Shand had many of the standout comedy moments playing multiple characters often at the same time. They never missed a beat and provided many of the real laugh out loud moments. 

Anne Van Hoose also played a number of roles giving each clead definition and again providing some great laugh out loud moments.

As the heroine of the piece who comes to the aid of Richard Hannay, Rachel Urquhart  as Pamela Edwards was perfectly cast and provided a calming influence as she helps him clear his name.

The small stage and intimate auditorium at Websters Theatre were the perfect setting for what was a well-directed and produced production that combined great acting, wonderful comedy timing and some fabulous physical theatre to give the audience a most entertaining evening of great theatre enhanced by the atmospheric lighting. The clever use of set and props ensured the pace never once dropped but you knew exactly where you were at all times.

Congratulations to all on and off stage for a wonderful show. I look forward to future Pantheon productions.

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