Grand Opera House, York – 14th to 19th March. Reviewed by Marcus Richardson
The 39 Steps a great British classic, a farcical-comedy came to the Grand Opera House York on the 14th March 2016.
With the cast compiled of only four actors; Richard Ede who played the dashing Richard Hannay, Olivia Green as the main delicate Pamela, whist also taking a good spy and a oppressed scots-woman. But, where the true talent of multi-roling takes place, is between Andrew Hodges and Rob Witcomb taking on more roles than I can count.
The witty style of comedy that all us Brit’s live for, was shown in many a scene, but the scene that shone like a flashlight is the hotel scene where Witcomb played an eccentric landlady where he is switching between characters in a matter of seconds. Along with his counterpart Hodges they gained a great roar of laughter for the whole audience.
The staging was minimalistic which added to the farcical elements, with Ede climbing through a window (photo frame). The scene changes were quick and effective and at times the use of props to create a funny moment such as a lamppost was used very well with the dynamic duo bring a streetlight every time our daring hero opened the blind of a window. The play was full of Hitchcock related jokes with the shower scene being implied and mention of vertigo, these were very cheesy and did make a few audience members laugh. However some Hitchcock jokes did last just a tad bit too long.
I would encourage anyone looking for a good laugh; with exciting chases, a melodramatic love connection and a ton of humour thrown in to see the wonder that is The 39 Steps.