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The 39 Steps

By Michael de Percy     

The sound design  complements the audacious movement plot  which really brings the stage to life. Indeed, it is so audacious that you don't believe the scenes are really happening!

12 March 2009: No doubt the University's strategic plan boosted ticket sales for the stage version of The 39 Steps! We were in the front centre of the Playhouse Theatre which adequately made up for missing out on seeing Midnight Oil on the same night.

Directed by Maria Aitken, this cast-of-four version of the John Buchan book and the Alfred Hitchcock movie is well worth seeing. The plot follows a moment in the life of an otherwise very bored, no, tired Richard Hannay (Mark Pegler) who gets caught up in a pre-Second World War spy story.

The minimalist set focuses the audience on the actors and they do not disappoint. A combination of slap-stick humour, Victor Victoria in-your-face role swapping and convincing mock-ups of train and car travel keep the audience laughing throughout the nearly two-hour production.

The sound design (Mic Pool) complements the audacious movement plot (Toby Sedwick) which really brings the stage to life. Indeed, it is so audacious that you don't believe the scenes are really happening!

Some very creative uses of props (you'll have to see it for yourself) fill in for the pursuit of Hannay across Scotland, leaving the audience in stitches. Constant asides between the actors and props start out slow but are convincing by the end of the play. Nonetheless, the minimalist theme is one of the most innovative I have seen.

The 39 Steps is a quality piece that won't disappoint. If the happy ending is anything to go by, you'll be pleased to know the University's strategy all works out in the end!