Photos by Keith Woolford and Helen McKinnon
NODA Review:
There have been several versions of this play, since the original 1915 John Buchan novel and a 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film, to the theatrical version originally performed on stage in 1996. Chris Davies as co-director expressed the hope that this version would retain the verve and madcap humour for which the show is renowned. I can confirm that this was achieved and more, with every scene laced with many a laugh.
The leading man Adam Brown captured that great old-fashioned style, as Richard Hannay, bored with life in London and looking for something to do, which takes him to the Palladium Theatre, where he meets the mysterious Annabella Schmidt played by Gill Rice. In Adam’s delivery of lines, he captured the atmosphere of a dapper Englishman in London in the 1930s and in Gill’s delivery a not unattractive secret agent in need of help.
At the Palladium we meet the compere of the show in Susan Resuggan who eventually undertakes no less than four roles, each played well and with great humour. The main act is Mr Memory who Keith Williams amusingly portrays, with the ability to recall numerous facts and eventually uncovers the mystery of ‘The 39 Steps’ in an impressive final speech.
Hannay gets tangled up with the mysterious Annabel and under the impression he is also being pursued by the police on a train, looks to escape with the help of a passenger Pamela who is lured into his adventure. Played by Leah Yendell, she and Adam work well together, as he falls in and out of favour. The train scene itself turns out to be very funny as were a number of other situations including Hannay’s escape from the train, falling off the Forth Rail bridge, a plane crash, buying a hat and coat from a milkman (also played by Leah Yendell) for a pound which the milkman ends up paying for himself!
There were so many other well played cameo performances too many to highlight here, some taking two or three roles, but I particularly enjoyed the police men (Alan Clarke and Steve Siddle) Alan as Professor Jordan and Steve as the Crofter. Never the less, all others are worthy of a mention for their various and convincing portrayals; Lyn Parkin, Gail Rogers and Bev Lord. By the end of the performance I was actually convinced there were more than 10 in the cast. Credit for this must also be due to the costume team.
The staging provided just the right backdrop to each scene. There were many changes of location but all handled well by the crew. Sound and lighting also enhanced the performance – loved the many sound effects and music, particularly the door opening gag at the off stage ‘party’.
Congratulations are due to the co-directors Chris Davies and Samuel Perry and their production team, and my thanks for the warm welcome from the front of house members.
Bruce Wyatt.