The 39 Steps. The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
If you want to see a stage play of John Buchan’s novel, this isn’t it. This is instead a parody of Alfred Hitchcock’s film adaptation – which was radically different from the novel. And what a parody!
The plot is pretty much identical to the film: dashing hero Richard Hannay (played at this performance by the understudy – an excellent Jacob Daniels) who after a flippant visit to a show at the London Palladium suddenly finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery where he is the main suspect. On the run with twists and turns at every step he ends up in Scotland, where it seems he can trust no one and he is desperately trying to clear his name.
Murder, espionage, danger – it all sounds very dramatic, but this show is HILARIOUS. Aside from Hannay, all the other characters are played by just three other actors. Safeena Ladha plays three heroines in the piece (most notably Pamela, who finds herself attached – literally – to Hannay on his trek across the Highlands). Everyone else (and there are MANY) are played by “Clown 1” and “Clown 2′ (Eugene McCoy & Maddie Rice), two multi-rolling actors who barely stop for a breath and at times have to change characters (and costumes) on stage. This results in many comedic moments. It’s laugh out loud all the way through.
The show has been a big hit in the West End and on Broadway and this is the latest UK tour. It’s great fun, wonderfully inventive, and is performed by four very talented actors. It’s a glorious homage to Hitchcock – even including a few other nods to his films.
The only gripe I have is at times it was difficult to hear the dialogue. On a vast stage it disappeared and it seems they weren’t amplified. Just a small gripe though. Definitely go! It’s brilliant.
4 stars. The only steps you should take are to the theatre!