A raucous version of The 39 Steps, which has been running in the West End for nearly a decade, now comes to the Birmingham stage.
The 39 Steps is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
John Buchan’s novel The 39 Steps, which was adapted into a landmark film directed by legendary director Alfred Hitchcock, has been transformed into a fizzy theatrical production which takes the audience on a madcap journey packed full of surreal humour.
The story follows the madcap adventure of Londoner Richard Hannay who is framed for murder and then is forced to go on the run with a woman named Pamela. They head off to Scotland while being pursued by the police and a circle of spies.
Unlike traditional takes on Buchan’s story, this award-winning stage adaptation by Patrick Barlow relies on the ‘less is more’ concept by pairing down the production and using only four performers to bring to life over 100 characters.
This witty concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon results in a memorable night at the theatre that sees Monty Python style antics being mixed with Hitchcockian mischief to construct a truly zany atmosphere that never lets up for a second.
Director Maria Aitken, and tour director Nicola Samer, are well versed when it comes to mining stage craft to tickle the mind of the audience and keep people engaged. Theatrical storytelling techniques are employed to weave magic and thrills from one scene to the next.
The minimalist set and costume design by Peter McKintosh are breezy and perfectly in tune with the pantomime tone of this adaptation.
Ian Scott’s lighting design is inspired and propels the production with gusto from beginning to end. The show is packed full of visual gags that keep coming from left, right and centre, and the shadow puppetry effects are superb.
The production also makes some lovely references to Hitchcock which will bring a smile to fans of the director.
The cinematic sound design by Mic Pool is epic and full of varying shifts in mood which perfectly blends into the action taking place on the stage.
The role of Hannay is played by Tom Byrne in a very knowing way which heightens the anarchic vibes.
Safeena Ladha is absolutely sensational and sexy as Pamela. Her movement, vocal delivery and emotional rage are a joy to behold.
Byrne and Ladha also play several other key roles throughout the night as do the two other cast members. It is incredible to see performers literally transforming right in front of you from one character to the next within seconds. The brilliant use of props, hats, coats and stage devices and effects is really inventive. This highly energised show makes full use of the magic that theatre has at its disposal to create a world that the audience can believe in.
The 39 Steps is a joyous show that packs action, laughs and thrills - sometimes all three at once - and the energy levels remain breathtaking throughout.
Verdict: ★★★★
The 39 Steps is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 8 June
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