UK Theatre Network

Alfred Hitchock is legendary, not only for appearing in all of his films, but for the catalogue of films themselves which, for me, are masterpieces. One of my favourites has always been Hitchcock's own version of 'The 39 Steps', made in 1935, starring Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll, as well as featuring a lithe young (Dame) Peggy Ashcroft, as a Scottish Crofting girl. In this film Hitchcock has managed to create a superb blend of suspense and tension, as well as a very black sense of comedy. I mention this merely as a precursor to speaking of the London adaptation of Buchan's book, which is currently running amok at The Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. And only then, because this production is second only to the original film, in its fabulous presentation and performances.

There were three film versions of the story made (the less said of the second two the better), and it has been popular the world over ever since. Patrick Barlow's brilliant adaptation here, starring Charles Edwards as the anti-hero Hannay, does not fail to impress and does not stop thrilling the audience with twists and turns a plenty. The ingenious design of the show really adds the madcap atmosphere created by the whole ensemble, the chase on The Flying Scotsman, the escape on the Forth Bridge, and the amazing Mr Memory all lovingly protrayed (if a little tongue in cheek), and even the first ever theatrical bi-plane crash ever staged!

Four actors playing a minimum of one hundred and thirty nine roles is not to be sniffed at, and these bounders pull it off with the ease, jumping, climbing, swinging, crawling, rolling around the stage like four very well-dressed orangutangs. All this accompanied by a fabulous period sound track and, of course, the necessary BBC public service announcements. 

This production is a must-see for anyone who likes a thrill or twelve, as well as a good laugh along the way. As Hannay might have said, 'A Jolly fine show, what?'

For more information, please see: www.love39steps.com