The 39 Steps

I had never seen The 39 Steps before, though I had read a little about the story beforehand so I had a rough idea of what to expect. With Adam, Sarah, Martyn and Kate leading the way, I knew the show would be in great hands, and they absolutely delivered. From the very start it was clear that this was going to be a fantastic performance, full of energy, humour and brilliant moments that had the audience completely engaged. I was thoroughly entertained and loved every minute.

Adam gave an outstanding performance as Richard Hannay, perfectly capturing the character’s charm, confidence and resilience. Suddenly caught up in a dangerous plot and wrongly accused, Adam carried the story with skill and assurance. His delivery was clear and expressive throughout, and his monologues were handled with great control, drawing the audience fully into Hannay’s increasingly chaotic adventure. Rarely leaving the stage, he maintained the pace brilliantly, guiding us through Hannay’s dramatic and often hilarious journey while interacting cleverly with the rest of the cast. Memorable moments included the wonderfully awkward escape from the armchair, which brought plenty of laughter, and the scene where Hannay is mistaken for a guest speaker. Adam played this superbly, delivering an amusingly confident speech despite having no idea what he was meant to be talking about. It was a thoroughly engaging and impressive performance that kept the audience entertained from start to finish.

Sarah delivered a remarkable performance, skilfully bringing to life three very different female characters with flair, energy, and nuance. As Annabella Schmidt, the exotic secret agent in need of help, she was utterly convincing and exuded a strong and captivating presence. She created a palpable romantic tension with Hannay, speaking in a convincing German accent and drawing the audience into their dangerous yet thrilling partnership. Later, as Pamela, the spirited young woman Hannay encounters on the Flying Scotsman, Sarah showed her versatility - balancing determination, intelligence, and playful defiance. From resisting Hannay’s advances to ultimately becoming an ally against the villains, she displayed a wide range of emotions that kept her character engaging and believable. Finally, as Margaret, the hilarious and flirtatious farmer’s wife seeking adventure beyond the constraints of her life in Scotland, Sarah brought energy, allure, and a mischievous sparkle to the role, making her interactions with Hannay utterly delightful. Across all three roles, Sarah’s timing, charisma, and ability to shift seamlessly between personalities highlighted her exceptional skill, making her a standout presence on stage.

Martyn and Kate were simply outstanding as the show’s clowns, delivering a performance full of energy, precision, and impeccable comic timing. Their adaptability was astonishing - throughout the play they effortlessly took on a dizzying array of characters, often switching roles multiple times within a single scene. Whether appearing at the side of the stage or in the centre, they commanded attention and kept the audience guessing. They moved seamlessly between good and bad characters, young and old, man and woman, taking on a host of memorable roles, from crofter and milkman to Mr Memory and the Professor, with such skill and clarity that the audience was constantly surprised and delighted. Their character changes were enhanced by shifts in accent, costume, and sometimes just a hat, but often a full outfit, all executed flawlessly on stage. Martyn and Kate’s energy, precision, and sheer inventiveness made them show-stealing performers whose skill and comic brilliance elevated every scene they touched.

With inventive staging and clever props, the production brought a vibrant and dynamic world to life. Lighting, sound effects, and music perfectly complemented the action, creating atmosphere and tension, while the costumes were authentic to the era and impeccably tailored. A plain black backdrop formed the stage, accompanied by two wooden step ladders, a collection of boxes that cleverly became everything from tables and train seats to a car, an aeroplane, a reception desk, and a bed, and a window frame that allowed for dramatic escapes. Additional pieces, including a leather armchair and a moving lamp post, were used with ingenuity throughout. The audience’s imagination, guided by thoughtful lighting and sound, was effortlessly transported from London to Scotland. Moments such as the train journey, with Hannay dangling from the Forth Bridge, were thrilling, and even the simple representations of the car and aeroplane were highly effective, showcasing the production’s creativity and resourcefulness.

The entire cast performed flawlessly, navigating the humour, swift costume changes, and constant character switches with ease and assurance. Each actor brought a unique and convincing identity to every role they played, making the many characters memorable and engaging. The direction was precise and cohesive, maintaining a lively pace and ensuring the story flowed seamlessly. Congratulations to the cast and creative team for a highly polished, entertaining, and thoroughly enjoyable production.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.