Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, has been hilariously recreated for the stage as a smash-hit Olivier and Tony Award-Winning Comedy. The show is back on a UK tour after nearly 10 years in London’s West End and has been a success on Broadway, playing in 39 different countries worldwide and delighting over 3 million people with its plucky spirit and sense of fun.
Follow the adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and devastatingly beautiful women.
This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action. Don't miss the chance to experience the stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho, and pencil moustache of Richard Hannay as he navigates through a series of daring and entertaining escapades. The cast were fabulous with Jacob Daniels (usually the understudy) as Richard Hannay, alongside Safeena Ladha as Annabella Schmidt / Pamela / Margaret, Eugene McCoy as Clown 1, and Maddie Rice as Clown 2.
This is an example of some truly brilliant theatre on many levels. Traditional stage devices are used, such as the Steam train, but there is also playfulness and comedic timing of the 4 actors who play an impressive 139 characters. Added to this are brilliant lighting, sound, set design and costume. Everything comes together so succinctly to create some brilliant theatre.
For me I found the first half a bit of a slower pace. The second half was much punchier. Many of the slapstick jokes and physical comedy elements were warmly received with fits of laughter from the audience. At times it was a struggle to hear the cast due who weren’t miced up, possibly due to the constant changes in dialect, accent and intonation which is expected in a large theatre.
The 39 steps continues at the Alexandra Theatre Birmingham until Saturday the 8th June 2024. Tickets are available here.
Content Warnings - Please note that strobing lights (30sec), flashing lights, haze, smoke, smoking of herbal cigarettes, and guns on stage (not real) with sound effects feature in the production. Please let the Box Office know upon booking if you require any further information.
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