Review of ‘The 39 Steps’: “Of course it had to be British!”

Alfred Hitchcok’s celebrated film continues its journey onstage through Patrick Barlow’s worldwide-known comical adaptation, currently touring across the UK. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this goofy farce packed with absurd humour actually features staircase wit.

“When you see it, you’re gonna love it”, sentences my friend as we have a cup of English breakfast tea at the foyer of the Drury Lane. Yes, I’m an extremely Britified Spaniard with proper cliched Victorian manners, so you’d better read me with an RP accent or I’ll bash you f*cking head, you little twat. There, there – let’s move on to today’s show. A show based on a masterpiece by a filmmaking icon, suddenly turned (though it’s been around for over a decade) into a house of bonkers, where all the suspense you’ll get is the waiting for your next laugh – suffice to say, nonetheless, it won’t take long until you’ll find who’s dunnit again.

Yes, I know. Hitch wasn’t too keen on that kind of genre. There – you’ve proved you read the fun facts printed on your yogurt taps. But to be honest, would he have approved of one of his first classic thrillers been turned into a parade of camp? Probably not. Yet again – he was the king of mystery… But if that was the case, we can’t do anything but thank the fact that he was not around when this adaptation was made – as, I confess, the man would only be in the wrong if he had become a saboteur and tear the curtain of such a superb piece of theatrical pizzazz (you’d better give me an standing ovation for what I’ve just said, if you have a… clue…).

Put your hands together (I just don’t trust you with those anymore…) and welcome the most anglified (with a few drops of Scottish -ghhhhh- bile), stagey-fied and, all in all, hysterical comedy you will probably see in a long, long time (just because I know what a joy you are to be around…). Enter The 39 Steps, an exquisite murder-conspiracy farce bringing back the thrills that only Alfred Hitchcock presents, combined with an infectious overtone of giggles and roars – guaranteed to take you on a swell (yet much bumpy) ride not suitable for the faint-hearted (or those with vertigo!).

An unstoppable frenzy of pure amusement and bouncy foolishness (which, unlike some ladies, never vanishes) the play takes all the fright away from the stage, and replaces it with a splashing cascade of smartly delivered stupidity, projected through the most unbelievably hilarious gags. Taking advantage of all the traditional theatrical techniques (as well as the opportunity to poke good fun on them too), the production is a beautiful (and quite pranky) homage to all things Victorian, from the style and the flavour of the era, to the most poshly diminishing insults I’ve ever heard in my life (and will definitely start using, you button-headed little idiot).

Fans of the black-suited director can rest assured that his influence will still rope off the performance, with an unending line of tributes to be featured all throughout – from his iconic silhouette (considerably downsized) to make, much in the filmmaker’s way, a sudden cameo appearance popping out of nowhere, to a delightful set of soundtrack references (primarily Bernard Herman’s) that only contribute to add more success to a show that already dials M for marvelous, and which have less subtlety than the puns of this review (though you could still admit they’re rich and strange).

The joy only continues with its excellent cast, bringing out the text and direction’s inner iron-ic strength to a whole new level. All of them boasting spectacular dexterity and flair for comedy, the highest praise goes, nonetheless, to the two male members of the company. On the one hand, Eugene McCoy gives a jaw-breaking rendition is his many, many, many roles ranging from hateful Scottish farmers (it came as implied, though) to bitchy wealthy dames (that, again…) – endowing all of his personages with edge, charm and stamina. At the same time, Tom Byrne shines in the lead part of Richard Hannay, proving his exceptional skills as a character actor through an intensely committed interpretation that manages to fill the entire venue with its electrifying energy.

The ultimate treat to every lover of satire and, all in all, thespian craftsmanship, The 39 Steps is a consummate triumph that demonstrates how well a product can age when made with wisdom, instinct and artistic integrity. It will never cease to be funny, just because it’s never been anything but good. From North to Northwest and even to the Jamaica Inn (alright, I’ll stop), the show is a sublime example of creative quality mixed with commercial viability. Whatever you’re doing, just take a moment and come see it, because chances are you’ll go mental about it – or even, psycho (sorry).

All pictures credit to Mark Senior.

The 39 Steps is currently on tour across the UK. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara