A Modern Theatre Review presented by www.stagebeauty.net

The 39 Steps

Adventure adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the novel by John Buchan
West Yorkshire Playhouse, 17th June 2005
Review by Don Gillan, www.stagebeauty.net

The Scene

Various locations ranging from Hannays flat in London, to a train, the Forth bridge, the Scottish moors, a crofters cottage, a Scottish Manse, an assembly room, a sheriff's office and a music hall.

Synopsis

Programme

Richard Hannay is drawn into international intrigue through a chance encounter with a mysterious female spy who is subsequently murdered in his apartment. Wanted by the police, Hannay goes on the run, heading for Scotland in search of the spy's contact. Various misadventures ensue including becoming handcuffed to a prim and proper schoolmistress when he is captured by two bogus policemen and she is taken along as a witness. He escapes with her in tow, and although she does not believe his story at first, circumstances subsequently reveal the veracity of his claims and they work together to foil the foreign agents.

Impressions

This comic version of the story was performed by only four actors but nevertheless encompassed all the characters and locations from John Buchan's classic story. In content, the story was closest to the Kenneth More film version rather than the book (which lacked the school teacher character to provide the love interest). The comedy of the peice comes not from the content but from the (often manic) presentation. As such it worked on two levels, both as an accurate retelling of a classic adventure story, and as a genuinely funny piece of comic theatre.

Performances

Robert Whitelock played Hannay throughout, whilst Lisa Jackson was a beautiful spy, farmers wife and schoolmistress. That left Mark Hadfield and Simon Gregor to cover all the lesser roles garnering most of the laughs along the way. Simon Gregor's female impersonations were particularly funny.

Verdict

Not to be missed.


Back to Reviews Index    Stagebeauty Home