This Christmas there must be some one that you do not like, but have to get a Christmas present for. A neighbour, the In-Laws or the Outlaws, a friend’s child. Well don’t, instead treat your self to one on the most entertaining, funny and original nights in the theatre that you will ever have. Take steps now, big steps to “The 39 Steps” at the Liverpool Playhouse for a simply spiffing evening of traditional theatre at its very best.
I think that this show has the potential to develop a cult status similar to the Rocky Horror Show but this is one were the real grown ups could dress up in evening clothes or period costume, nor being embarrassed to take the children. This is a great show for children.
This production is based on the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock, not the original book by John Buchan, everything that happens in the film, happens in this play, from the chase along the train, the escape via the Forth Bridge and the chase across the Scottish moors as our hero, Richard Hannay, eludes his pursuers, the Police, for a murder he did not commit and foreign spies, intent on killing him for knowing too much.
The play is so fast paced that a cast of four manage to play 139 roles in 100 minutes, which is quite some feat. The incredible aristocratic sounding Dugald Bruce-Lockhart plays the part of Richard Hanney, he brings the right stiff upper lip Britishness to the role and without it being an impersonation of Robert Donat in the original film. His is a very energetic performance and he is on stage for the entire play.
The simply stunning Katherine Kingsley takes on the three main female roles of Annabelle, Margaret and Pamela and swaps accents and costumes so quickly, that you are hard pressed to realise that it is the same actress playing the different roles.
Richard Braine and Dan Starkey play all the other roles, I told you this was a fast paced show. Dan Starkey does a very entertaining robotic Mr Memory; he must have taken his inspiration from Peter Crouch, while Richard Braine has more voices than Jon Culshaw.
It does not matter if you have not seen the original film, children will love the madcap slapstick, as well as the one-liners, many from the original film. Which must have been quiet racy for the time. Particularly the scene were Hanney and Pamela are handcuffed to-gether and Pamela removes her stockings, the scene is repeated on stage and the humour comes across far more but it still manages to be very saucy.
There are numerous references to Hitchcock films. I will not spoil your enjoyment by repeating them here; just to say if you are a fan of Hitchcocks films it will only add to your enjoyment of The 39 Steps. Hitchcock always made a cameo appearance in the films he directed and he does not disappoint here. You also need to keep an eye out as there is a chance to see the “Loch Ness Monster”.
The Railway Station that Hitchcock used in “The 39 Steps” was Lime Street Station, one of the earliest occasions Liverpool was used as a film location. Just thought I would mention that.
Every theatrical trick has been used in this production, ironically the 39th, and it makes for a brilliant show. Directed by Maria Aitkin, the play has been adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon, who really must by congratulated for this spectacular theatrical achievement. If you want a change from the Pantomime or the live experience instead of the cinema I can recommend The 39 Steps.
As I said at the beginning of this review treat yourself I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. I will most certainly be going again, I have not enjoyed a night out like this in years and I would suggest to the producers that a special audience participation evening were we can wear 1930s clothes, possibly for charity, be considered.
The 39 Steps will be on at The Liverpool Playhouse until Saturday 16th January 2010 before embarking on a nationwide tour. But see it here.
10 out of 10 Simply Splendid Darling.
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