The 39 Steps makes a welcome return to Bath. Based on the Hitchcock film which was in turn inspired by John Buchan’s novel from 1915, this is a wonderful adaptation by Patrick Barlow.
Tom Byrne as Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps | Photo © Mark Senior
The nods to various Hitchcock films sneak in with ease and the comedy is expertly directed, originally by Maria Aitken, with this tour directed by Nicola Samer.
The brilliantly talented company play 139 roles between them and this award winning show remains one of the very best productions of this nature.
The humour is non stop; dodgy disguises, hat swapping conversations and not forgetting the classic train escape, it is all played out at a break neck speed.
Tom Byrne is a fine and dapper Richard Hannay, alongside Safeena Ladha as Pamela, Annabella and Margaret. The two clowns, who carry the show are Eugene McCoy and Maddie Rice.
The pace is frantic the apparent “errors” neatly staged which alongside a genius design concept by Peter Mckintosh allows shadow puppets, door swapping and all sorts of crazy with absolute ease.
The lighting design by Ian Scott bring much atmosphere backed by a pitch perfect sound track by Mic Pool.
It is hard to believe this show has been around since 2006, aside from the awards it garnered with ease, it has never failed to disappoint.
If you have never seen it, or if you are a returning fan just go and escape the chaos of the world around us; you will come out smiling and feeling so very much happier.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
