Jo Turbitt reviews the latest UK tour of a 'pacey, physical, cheeky comedy'.
A British- vaudevillian romp!
Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps embraces social and theatrical trends of the 1930’s, bringing a version of the story to life that is a blend of the book and both the films.
Don’t go expecting to see a theatrical representation: instead go expecting to see a pacey, physical, cheeky comedy that gives a nod and a wink to whole host of influences associated with both Hitchcock and the original novel by John Buchan. Barlow has created a piece which can be enjoyed by those who know the originals inside and out, as well as those who aren’t familiar with the books or the films, and by Hitchcock fans.
The character of Richard Hannay, brought spiffingly to life by Richard Ede, is the lynchpin and common denominator between all versions and forms. The rest of the characters that Hannay encounters on his epic escapade up and down the length of Great Britain are played by Olivia Greene, Andrew Hodges and Rob Witcomb. Greene has an air of Miranda Richardson while Hodges and Witcomb work with the rapport, comic timing, characterisation and flare of the likes of Hail and Pace or Morecombe and Wise.
References to Hitchcock are cleverly woven in to the work, as are the attributes and features of 1930’s music hall traditions; all of which support the energy, the pace, the ideas, the drive and direction which the play has.
Performing at the Edinburgh King’s Theatre until April 23 before continuing its UK tour.
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