Since its premier in 2006 Patrick Barlow’s comic adaption of John Buchan’s 1915 novel 'The 39 Steps', has been on a journey as long and involved as that of the central character – the debonair Londoner, Richard Hannay, who is charged with murder after a glamorous spy he has befriended, is murdered in his apartment.
The problem for Hannay is that not only is he innocent, he doesn’t even know who she is.
Pursued by the police and the woman's killers, Hannay flees to the Highlands of Scotland determined to solve the mysterious '39 Steps' in order to prove his innocence, expose the real culprits and prevent national secrets from being revealed.
Opening Night Photos here.
His journey north involves some hilarious death-defying escapes from planes, trains and automobiles, but the real joy in this gag-laden production is in its absurdity. With a cast of just seven actors covering the 25-or-so characters, we get to share in the ambitious idea of staging Hannay's epic journey across Britain with just a handful of props to set the scene.
There are some wonderfully inventive DIY staging moments, including a lamp post that is rushed on and off stage in a deliberately clumsy manoeuvre, a simple timber square that is used as an escape window, and a bi-plane that swirls across the stage on a stick. There’s plenty of mucking about with the timing as well, with the cast intentionally missing their cues – such as the telephone that keeps ringing well after it has been answered.
Director Greg Scurr takes full advantage of the venue, allowing his players to use the aisles and entrances as an extension to the stage. And it works – with plenty of interaction between the audience and the cast – who use the entire space to good effect.Jonathon Devitt immerses himself in his role as the unflappable and oh-so British Richard Hannay – at times evoking memories of John Cleese’ inimitable character Basil Fawlty. Tamara McLaughlin plays a convincing Pamela, Hannay’s reluctant love interest, while Damien Campagnola executes his six characters with ease.
There are quite a few Hitchcock references thrown in for good measure, including excerpts from the original movie credits and a cameo appearance from the master himself, all of which just adds to the laughs. There’s nothing subtle or sophisticated about the humour here – it's wall-to-wall silliness sandwiched in-between some terrific, old-fashioned slapstick – aided by the clever use of props and some OTT acting.
The production benefits from a well-executed sound and lighting plan and the set changes are completed with minimal fuss and distraction. This is a witty, high-energy, laugh-out-loud show that is delivered in the manner it was written. Ben Brantley in the New York Times called it, “throw away theatre at its finest”. And I couldn’t agree more. There’s a reason it has become one the longest running productions in theatre history with more than 3 million people in 40 countries having already seen it. File under ‘E’ for entertaining!
'The 39 Steps' plays Brisbane Arts Theatre until 20 June.
