Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan
Directed by Jarrad West
Canberra REP at Theatre 3 to 1 July
Reviewed by Len Power 16 June 2017
The original West End production of ‘The 39 Steps’ ran for 9
years. It took a serious story from a
well-known 1935 Alfred Hitchcock movie and performed it for laughs with a small
cast playing all the roles. This concept
has since inspired or influenced similar successful shows like ‘Brief
Encounter’ and ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’.
Jarrad West’s production for Canberra REP moves at a
cracking pace and retains the cinematic feel of the show. There are good imaginative moments and
delightfully surreal touches along the way.
Unfortunately the cast members playing multiple roles have been directed
to play constantly over the top, making the show seem desperate for laughs and
therefore less funny than it should be.
The one actor who doesn’t play multiple roles, Patrick
Galen-Mules, gives a very good performance as the central character, Richard
Hannay. He captures the dashing
character of an upper class, cultured hero of the period very nicely. Steph Roberts is appealing as the heroine in
the bedroom scene with Richard Hannay and Helen McFarlane is very funny as the
Scottish innkeeper’s wife. Nelson
Blattman works hard in multiple roles.
He would have more credibility if his hair was cut to suit the period of
the play.
Tim Sekuless has produced an excellent and witty sound
design but the music underscoring is too loud and drowns out the dialogue. Michael Sparks’ set design works well and
Fiona Leach has designed very good costumes.
Jarrad West says he strived for ‘pure, unadulterated
silliness’. It’s there and fun but a bit
more realistic playing would have added to the fun, too.
This review was first published in the Canberra City News Digital Edition on 17 June 2017.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7's ‘Artcetera’ program (9am Saturdays),
‘Dress Circle’ (3.30pm Mondays) and in other selected Artsound programs.
