Farcical Hitchcock in The 39 Steps
Take a Hitchcock masterpiece, add a dash of Monty Python, and you have latest Limelight Theatre (WA) production, The 39 Steps.
Adapted from the John Buchan novel by Patrick Barlow, The 39 Steps is best known from the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film adaptation – Barlow turned the spy thriller into a comedy in 2005 with four actors playing a wide variety of roles.
An Olivier Award winner for Best New Comedy, it is the fifth longest-running play in West End history.
In The 39 Steps Richard Hannay seeks a frivolous night out at the theatre and is lured into a world of intrigue by a mysterious woman claiming to be a spy.
When she winds up dead in his flat, he flees London with the police hot on his trail and experiences a series of misadventures and old-fashioned romance.
Director James Hough-Neilson said he had previously seen the Broadway and West End productions of The 39 Steps.
“It’s a play not to be missed because it’s extremely funny,” he said. “I was asked to direct the show for Limelight Theatre by a member of the cast.
“It’s a very challenging play to present and I decided to rise to the challenge.
“The 39 Steps must be performed at a great pace and the comedy timing has to be spot on.
“There are something like 110 sound and musical effects, not to mention the physical efforts required by the cast.”
A professional actor, on and off, for the past 62 years, Hough-Neilson has a wealth of experience behind him.
He studied at London Drama School, then spent three years learning and performing a play a week in repertory theatre. Numerous UK television appearances followed, along with radio work and various commercials.
In WA, Hough-Neilson has worked with Stirling, Limelight and Playlovers Theatres over the past 25 years, performing in or directing productions such as Breaker Morant, Showboat, The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, The Importance of Being Earnest, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Hobson’s Choice.
His 2006 production of The Judas Kiss at Playlovers received best director, best play, best costumes and best supporting actor accolades at the annual Finley Awards.
“I have retired from directing three times but keep being persuaded back!” Hough-Neilson said.
“With The 39 Steps, I have an extremely talented team of people around me and the rehearsals are going well – I defy anyone not to have good laugh.”
The 39 Steps plays at 8pm October 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. Tickets are $21, $18 concession, $16 children – book on 0499 954 016 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday, or at www.limelighttheatre.com.
Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.
Images: (top) Gordon Park, Gino Cataldo, Emma Shaw and Andrew Govey, & (lower) Richard Hannay (Gino Cataldo, left) and Pamela (Emma Shaw) find themselves shackled together in The 39 Steps.
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