THE 39 STEPS (Fiery Angel Limited)
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| Charlotte Peters and Richard Ede |
Patrick Barlow’s brilliant adaptation of John Buchan’s
classic novel The 39 Steps opened to a packed house at Malvern Festival Theatre
last night, as it tours the UK. This exhilarating, melodramatic romp may not be
what fans of the Hitchcock thriller are expecting but they certainly won’t be
disappointed.
An energised cast of just four gifted performers present a
plethora of characters in the telling of this story of intrigue and love.
Richard Ede perfectly encapsulates the charming protaganist, Richard Hannay,
who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a murderous plot of international
espionage. His impressive, physical prowess is equally matched by the remaining
male component of the show, Tony Bell and Gary Mackay, who work wonderfully in
sync as they enact a mind-blowing number of roles, often in speedy succession,
as Hannay journeys the length and breadth of Britain. The belle of ball is
Charlotte Peters who is absolutely outstanding in her performance as femme
fatale, underdog and feisty heroine battling with her love for the unlikely
hero. The action is exhausting and hilarious and will have you grinning inanely
throughout.
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| Gary Mackay and Richard Ede |
This multi-award winning production is the achievement of an
incredible creative team who have collaborated to bring an utterly refreshing
piece of theatre to the stage. Barlow’s superb writing, with Maria Aitken’s
innovative vision and direction combined with the undeniable talents of Peter
McKintosh (set and costume design), Ian Scott (lighting design), Mic Pool
(sound design) and Toby Sedgwick (movement director) prove that, in a time when
only musicals tend to sell out, quality plays can still fill theatres.
This tour is as good as the current West End production,
which is in its 6th year and absolutely deserved it’s many curtain
calls, tumultuous applause, whoops and cheers. Take this amazing opportunity to
see theatrical brilliance at its best while you can. Get your tickets now!
