“Moulder played Richard Hannay, the protagonist, amusingly well”
The 39 Steps was originally a thriller novel by John Buchan. It was famously brought to the silver screen by Alfred Hitchcock in the 1930s. Tonight’s take by the Tower Theatre Company was based on Patrick Barlow’s comic adaptation that ran for over nine years in the West End. The plot and characters are broadly in line with the film, with the notable difference that the scenes are now being played for laughs and with a cast of only four.
It was an accomplished performance by all concerned, and I would never have known it was the first performance of the run. It is a skilfully written adaptation and the actors served it well under the spot on direction of Rob Ellis.
Adam Moulder played Richard Hannay, the protagonist, amusingly well and there was a real ensemble feel between him and the other actors. Sophie Mackenzie, cleverly changed characters as required, as Annabella Schmidt initially, and then two other ladies romantically linked to Hannay. Dom Ward was excellent at bringing humour to each of his numerous roles, and made clever use of voices and characterisation. Emily Grimson was also a good sound part of the team, and there was no dropping of pace, by anyone, even when doing set changes.
By necessity, the staging was fairly simple. Costumes fitted the period and the part, but were quite basic to allow the actors to don different outfits quickly. Props were used effectively and imaginatively.
This production would perhaps benefit from a bigger space, and a longer run, as it was an incredibly entertaining way to spend an evening. I thoroughly enjoyed this pacy piece as did my companion, and the rest of the audience!
Reviewed for thespyinthestalls.com
Photography by Robert Piwko
THE 39 STEPS
is at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 14th October
“a group of criminals who don’t know their Mozart from their Messiaen …”
When the seemingly innocent Professor Marcus, with a passion for classical music, comes knocking at the door of Mrs. Wilberforce’s home, the kind old lady is delighted to let her spare room out to this charming character . . .
Little does she know that her new tenant is also part of an amateur Musical ensemble, or shall we say a group of criminals who don’t know their Mozart from their Messiaen, intending to use her home for their plotting and planning.
In this black comedy, originally a 1955 film made by Ealing Studios, the sweet old lady Mrs. Wilberforce has a lot of time on her hands and often reverts to her wild imagination, inventing bizarre speculations and subsequently entertaining the local police officers with her stories.
How ironic when suddenly she has become involved with a group of criminals – will the police believe her this time?
The quintet of criminals are a delightful contrast to one another, with Professor Marcus being the well spoken conductor and mastermind of the group. On first and second violin we have Louis the no nonsense hit man and Harry, the young and clumsy one. On Viola, The Major, who is a bit of a nervous wreck and enjoys wearing women’s clothes, lastly on cello there is the moronic yet loveable One Round who may turn out to have a heart of gold, but just isn’t ‘all there’.
With this group of virtuosos, what could possibly go wrong?
Alison Liney portrays the perfect mix of the innocent, harmless yet opinionated and fiesty Mrs. Wilberforce – you wouldn’t want to cross her! Whilst Ed Malcolmson brings the character of Professor Marcus to life with over the top charm, graces and a terribly prim and proper accent.
The set, designed by Michael Bettell, Jude Chalk and Bernard Brennan instantly transports the audience back to their own grandmother’s living room – expertly combining a classic floral pattern with military photographs and of course, a good tea cosy.
Lynda Twidale has got it spot on with costume in this production – the ‘band’its look right at home both as musicians off duty or under cover gangsters.
Further highlights from this performance include an impromptu concert for some of Mrs. Wilberforce’s elderly friends (think scratchy strings, atonal madness and somewhat ‘expressive’ playing), a delightful display of femininity from The Major once he discovers Mrs. Wilberforce’s favourite yellow dress and the timely chirpings of General Gordon, Mrs. Wilberforce’s parrot.
