The 39 Steps adapted by Patrick Barlow

This is a parody play – a rewritten script in 2005 - the Alfred Hitchcock film of 1935 which was based on Scottish author John Buchan’s 1915, a well known and loved adventure novel. Created for a small number of key characters this version allowed for more cast members to enact some wonderful cameo characters. So, principal character, mining engineer Richard Hannay, aged 37 back in England, bored with life was supported by a cast of 10 actors portraying numerous roles involving changes of accents, and costume sometimes at great speed. This in turn meant location changes by the stage crew, who were working hard appearing more often than usual, particularly when the black curtain had a mind of its own. However, they coped admirably and which added to the comedic element.

The opening set showed us Hannah’s sitting room surrounded by blacks, furniture covered in dust sheets as he has the decorator’s in. A small drinks table and armchair and a standard lamp, and of course a Bakelite style telephone. Additions of rolling and revolving set of doors again took us various locations sometimes with a slapstick element. I liked the use of mime for example the manoeuvring of a blind at the window. The two airmen, complete with goggles and outstretched arms, flew in tandem, a folding central flat with added chairs became the railway carriage, and a small desk indicated the Scottish b and b check in. Effective use of the floor area too.

This was Gabby’s first directing role with the players, taking on the challenges of multiple set locations, fast paced, physical comedic action with the numerous characters involved and together with Alison Robinson’s SM expertise and stalwart SM Alan Arthur with Ash Ross on board produced a fun evening’s entertainment. Experienced Dave Austin was again in charge of lighting, tucked away in the tech corner, supported by techie Owen Ling on sound. Most amusing was the door opening and closing on the Jordon’s noisy musical do! No credit was given for costuming which was much in keeping, however my bugbear is always era correctness and shoes something to be aware of – particularly trainers!

The pivotal character Richard Hannay, setting the story from the opening was commanding Malcolm Jones with his rich timbre.  The script was beautifully executed, together with a great deal of physicality and pace. Impressive for a 37 year old! Well costumed and I enjoyed the natural use of his pipe and rapour with us the audience. Gary Robinson created a variety of personas and accents particularly enjoying his role as Compere. Kirsa Lommerud Olsen certainly must be congratulated on her Mr Memory role, which was particularly wordy and confidently performed. Laura Laws played an elegant Annabella Schmidt who initially involved Hannay in a matter of national importance, died by a knife wound in the back splendidly, comically into Hannay’s lap. Now on the run to Scotland, more extraordinary characters appear, other cast members becoming a milkman, chief inspector, sheriffs, policemen, salesmen, a paperboy, radio announcer, crofter, railway porter, hotel proprietors, pilots and probably more. You worked so very well as a team, with quick costume and accent changes, plus keeping up the action.

So good to see seasoned actors and newcomers too enjoying themselves and this came across to us the appreciative audience.  Good artwork within the A5 programme including caricature drawings of members of the cast, again sadly with no credit.

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