Forget the train this spring; your ticket should be to the Comedy Theatre, where Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps has burst onto the stage with razor-sharp wit, flawless timing, and laugh-out-loud hilarity.
Reminiscent of the film, the audience is transported into a black-and-white movie world where they are happily confronted with a fast-paced, all-action adventure. There’s a car, a plane, guns and bullets, murder and romance, and a mission so impossible that the well-timed, out-of-sync slapping is absolute perfection. You’ll clap, you’ll laugh, and you’ll walk out wanting to rewind time and see it all over again.
If you’re wondering what can be accomplished in just 100 minutes, the answer is that you can change time and space, loading up on 130 different characters and offer an evening of delight and mystery.
Every moment is clever, with audience engagement at an incredible high. Looking around the auditorium on opening night, the smiles were everywhere, and always. As the hats on stage kept switching, the crowd watched on with joyous energy.
In each scene, there are layers of entertainment, with so much to see and jokes that keep on coming. Think of the most perfectly layered cake, where every part makes the most delectable mouthful. You will remember it always, and when given the opportunity, you will want to come back for more helpings!
The 39 Steps is a parody play based on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film. Inspired by the 1915 novel by John Buchan, this production contains four incredible actors who portray over a hundred different roles.
It was first written by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon in 1996, and Patrick Barlow updated and rewrote it in 2005. Since then, The 39 Steps has been performed on the West End, Broadway and worldwide.
As the story goes, 47-year-old Richard Hannay is stuck in the daily grind of a day-to-day ritual. Deciding to change things up, he attends the theatre. He soon after finds himself accused of murder and pursued by assassins from the organisation known as ‘The 39 Steps.’
Hannay must disguise himself, find friends, fend off enemies, follow clues, hide and run to navigate his way back to freedom. There’s also a chance he may even fall in love along the way.
With a mix of thrilling spy stuff and choreographed chaotic comedy, Director Damien Ryan has put together a brilliant masterpiece of heightened theatrical entertainment. Matthew Marshall’s lighting assists in creating a sense of liveliness across the show. The strobe lighting flashes add to the memorable moments created in slow motion.
Brady Watkins’ music is superbly timed throughout. It adds to the atmosphere but also plays an essential role in what makes this show come alive. The cast’s interaction with the props, lights, music, costumes, and each other is perfectly balanced. Add in those playful moments of audience engagement, and the result is a recipe for success.
Often, you may hear that two actors together make the perfect pairing. Or perhaps they are a force to be reckoned with because of their on-stage chemistry. The cast of The 39 Steps, as a collated troupe, is all of that and more.
Ian Stenlake is completely charming as Richard Hannay. He throws himself wholly into every situation his character faces, with confidence and much that is reminiscent of the fabulous John Cleese.
Stenlake carries the storyline as a driving force through all of the challenges faced, alongside the magnificent Lisa McCune, who takes to the stage with a constant encouraging spirit.
Her charisma shines in the characters she takes on board, with hats, wigs and even handcuffs! Every new change is refreshing. With a flick of her hair, McCune’s expertise allows a display of contrasting personalities, all of which the audience adored and cheered for. There never will be another stiff body death scene quite like the one in this production!
The Umbilical Brothers are the brightly coloured sprinkles and glistening decorations scattered all over this beautifully layered dessert of a production. They seem to pipe more fabulous icing on the cake as they go!
David Collins is sharp in his quick-witted comedy, fully embodying each character and making the most of every moment on stage. His superb facial expressions bring to life elements of the script not written on the page.
Shane Dundas is speedy with his comedic reactions; his timing for jokes is impeccable, as is the body language he uses in all of the roles he takes on. On-stage costume and character changes are executed with pizzazz, adding insightful improvisation that spreads between all the brilliant players.
Show highlights include the use of projected images and shadows, the sharing of biscuits, amazing slow-motion action sequences, the smoke and the sheep, the bird that flew onto the train, and the fact that there are no animals used on stage! There are many more magical moments that are just too good to be described in words.
The 39 Steps is an adventure for everyone: part parody, part love letter to Hitchcock, and entirely riotous fun. A highlight of the year, this production doesn’t just add spring to your step. It practically sends you leaping out of the theatre with joy.
The 39 Steps runs to 4 October at the Comedy Theatre. 240 Exhibition Street Melbourne.
Tickets: https://www.the39steps.com.au/#book-tickets
Website: https://www.the39steps.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/the39stepsplay/
Photo credits: Cameron Grant
Remaining Australian Tour Dates:
Melbourne 10 September – 4 October, Comedy Theatre
Brisbane 7 – 19 October, Playhouse, QPAC
