The 39 Steps
For those of you who do not know, or not seen an adaptation of The 39 Steps, it is a tongue in cheek look at the spy thriller in the lead up to the war.
This adaptation is based upon John Buchan’s novel, and Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, with a recent adaptation for TV. It is currently touring the UK, and is enjoying great success in the West End.
The play centres around Richard Hannay, a well to do cad of London society, with an impeccable pencil moustache. He invites an attractive German spy back to his apartment, whereupon she gets shot. Hannay is instantly framed for her murder, and has to go on the run to find “The 39 Steps” that the German spy mentioned before she died. Hannay’s journey takes him all the way up to Scotland, via the moors, and a hair raising journey on the Flying Scotsman.
Whilst there are a plethora of characters in this play, it is written so that it can be performed by a cast of only four. This is how it is currently performed in the West End, and what makes this so special.
From a production perspective, with lots of scene changes, costume amendments, and important props, the staging will have to be kept simplistic, especially the scene involving the bi plane!
Very funny, very well written, and worthy of the awards and accolades it has received.
Well worth a read, and a watch if you get the chance.
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