On seeing the title of this play one must be immediately forgiven for calling to mind its unforgettable origins, if, that is, one has been fortunate enough to see either the unforgettable Alfred Hitchcock film version of 1935, starring Robert Donat as the gallant hero, Richard Hannay or possibly its lesser creation of 1959, this time fielding Kenneth More in the lead role.

 

However, to attempt to recreate the drama and constantly changing scenes of this story in a ninety minute theatrical production could be a recipe for disaster, but here, fortunately it isn’t.

This theatre production of The 39 Steps at the Criterion is, in fact, a successful spoof; an absolutely brilliant, breathtaking romp of quick-fire comedy. This adaptation of the original Alfred Hitchcock classic spy thriller, imaginatively given a very humorous twist by Patrick Barlow is recreated as a smash-hit comedy.

It features four brave and tireless actors who slip in and out of a myriad of parts, playing 139 roles between them, in ninety minutes of fast-paced mayhem and thrilling action, that gives the audience a much-needed 15 minute interval in which to regain their breath. The characters played are wonderful caricatures of the original Buchan text into which the actors inject, in great quantity, their infectious enthusiasm. All of the actors are amazing and their comic timing is immaculate.

To attempt to recreate the expansive scenes of the original film in the limited confines of theatre is truly remarkable, but somehow Patrick Barlow has done just that with a clever mix of effective direction and comedy props. The production closely follows the movie's plot and dialogue and contains almost every single memorable scene from the legendary film, which I’m sure many theatre goers will quickly recognise, including the chase on the Flying Scotsman, the escape on the Forth Bridge, an astounding recreation of the first bi-plane crash ever staged and the sensational death-defying finale in the London Palladium, The original story is well told with all of its essential elements; truly, a gripping piece of thriller fiction.

This here is true theatre, without the glitz and glamour of its more elaborate contemporaries. However it will go down as one of the funniest, most entertaining shows of recent times. It’s achievements since its opening back in 2006 are testament to its quality. It opened in London's Tricycle Theatre, and after a successful run, transferred to the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly. On 15 January 2008, the show made its US Broadway premiere at the American Airlines Theatre; it transferred to the Cort Theatre on 29 April 2008 and then moved to the Helen Hayes Theatre on 21 January 2009, where it ended its run on 10 January 2010. It reopens at New York's off-Broadway venue New World Stages on 25 March 2010. The Broadway production received six Tony Award nominations, winning two – Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design with the London show winning an Olivier in 2007 and two Tony Awards in 2008. The play also won the Drama Desk Award, Unique Theatrical Experience.

Not to be missed.

Written by James Cocksey
Photos by Pete Jones