The 39 Steps

This campy, comic interpretation of the Hitchcock masterpiece was brought to the stage with warmth and love by Terry Hackett and a superb cast. Everyone on stage was having a ball, in the best possible way - including the audience in their fun.

The central role of Richard Hannay was played with dapper perfection by Adrian Wood.

Aundraea Stevens played Annabelle, Margaret, Mrs. Jordan and Mrs. McGarrigle, a gaggle of roles, all with outlandish accents and extreme characterisations, which were strangely believable due to Aundraea's talents.

Referred to in the program as 'Clowns', Paul Treasure and Adrian Lewis played a myriad of roles, transitioning swiftly (sometimes in seconds) from one to another. Creating lovely characterisations throughout, impeccable timing and excellent physical comedy endeared them to the audience.

Claire Taylor played Pamela, the comic ingénue with seemingly unconscious sensuality and boundless enthusiasm. Extremely funny, her interactions with Adrian Lewis were a delight.

The multi-locale scenes were established with the use of surtitles, stage blocks and clever lighting by Joy Miles and Aaron Stirk. Set changes were beautifully choreographed and executed with the aid of a team of mummers adding a conspicuous theatricality to the show. The soundscape of period music and clever effects was well chosen and accurately executed.

Costumes, by Liza Mollan, were gorgeous, well chosen and true to both the era and characters.

This was a luxuriously silly production, beautifully done and a delight to watch.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: (from top) Claire Taylor and Adrian Wood; Adrian Lewis and Paul Treasure; Aundraea Stevens and Adrian Wood; Claire Taylor and Adrian Wood; Paul Treasure and Aundraea Stevens & The Mummers. Photographer: L.Goodwin