The 39 Steps. A Thriller Comedy

Who knew Hitchcock could be hilarious

OK, The 39 Steps isn’t a straight-up theatrical rendition of the classic thriller film of the same name. And that’s just fine. The play is very funny, with compelling acting and imaginative use of stagecraft to keep the audience engaged.

The play follows the trials and tribulations of Richard Hannay, a man on the run for a crime he didn’t commit. While rambling through the English countryside on the lam from Scotland Yard, he finds himself immersed in a mysterious spy plot with consequences that could affect the future of the nation. Along the way, he encounters damsels in distress (mostly distressed as a result of his own actions, it should be noted), suspicious characters and evil secret agents. The adventure also manages to reference every Hitchcock film ever made, in humorous ways.

The four-person cast showed a ton of talent with charisma to spare. Martin Happer plays Richard Hannay, a bored and melancholy man turned exuberant fugitive. Diana Coatsworth plays the leading lady – actually, three leading ladies, with very different personas. David Marr and Shawn Macdonald play Man #1 and Man #2, names which don’t even come close to representing their diverse and entertaining roles – some of which change in mere seconds with finely-timed choreography. The interplay between all of the characters is brilliant. Props are used to maximum effect, both to help tell the story and grab a few more well-deserved laughs from the audience.

If you’re a fan of Hitchcock-style suspense or smart comedy, or ideally a combination of both, then this show is one you won’t want to miss.