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LEGENDARY SONGWRITER JOHN PARR CONTRIBUTES “FORGOTTEN” MASTERPIECE TO BRAND-NEW ROCK MUSICAL ETERNAL LOVE

Singer/songwriter John Parr – who wrote and performed the million-selling Eighties hit single St Elmo’s Fire – is among the musical geniuses contributing original rock compositions to the groundbreaking score of brand-new musical theatre spectacular Eternal Love. . .

Eagerly-awaited rock musical Vampires Rock – Eternal Love opens in just nine months, with tickets for its nationwide tour selling fast. And, Grammy-nominated John’s contribution – Everything They Said Was True – will be among 21 original songs featured.

Eternal Love producer/director/performer Steve Steinman (pictured with John), says: “As a result of John Parr coming to see me perform in one of our stage shows, I was kindly gifted the song. It was included on my first, number one album Leap of Faith, and subsequently released as a single – topping the Amazon Rock and iTunes charts in its own right.

Promo video of John Parr’s composition Everything They Said Was True, performed by Steve Steinman: https://youtu.be/Zv2ZbQLipHE?si=fLovUMgcEtZb2yLe

Like all other numbers included in the Eternal Love score, Everything They Said Was True is a song with a story to tell: dealing with the angst of a troubled relationship.

“John wrote the song with Meat Loaf way back in 1982,” says Steve. “He was staying at Meat Loaf’s home at the time.

“It’s an incredible song, but its roots are firmly in the Seventies guitar rock era. For a time in the Eighties, rock music transformed to a more synthesizer and drum machine-led format, and for that reason, Everything They Said Was True was overlooked, and was never recorded.”

When John met Steve backstage at the Hull Arena, Steve had just embarked on his own recording career. Subsequently, Steinman has taken six singles and two albums to the top of the Amazon Music and iTunes charts.

“John was very complimentary about my debut single Leap of Faith, and agreed to allow me to record Everything They Said Was True,” says Steve. “He said it deserved to be heard, and encouraged me to ‘go and get it out there’.

“Which I did – and I took it to the top of the charts!

Steve says that he is thrilled to include the song in the score for Eternal Love – the third tranche of the madly popular Vampires Rock trilogy: “Featuring a completely original script and score, Everything They Said Was True features along with 20 other truly superb, equally authentic rock numbers, written by composers boasting incredible songwriting pedigree.”

Among the esteemed songwriters contributing to the rock musical’s score are Steve Womack and Steve Etherington.

Steve Womack has written songs for many well-known recording artists, most recently contributing several songs for Bonnie Tyler’s latest album, including a duet with Cliff Richard. Bonnie says of Steve’s songwriting: “the magic I hear from my favourite Bruce (Springsteen) and Rod (Stewart) songs.”

While Steve Etherington has featured in chart-topping groups and co-written the music for two hit musicals previously.

“Importantly, all the songs performed in Eternal Love feature the art of storytelling,” says Steve Steinman. “They’re all outstanding songs in their own right and won’t have to rely on the musical for their popularity.”

Two thirds of the score is comprised of numbers from Steve’s two albums. The remainder is made up from brand-new songs, specifically written for the musical.

“They’re all in the can, composed and ready to go,” he says.

Eternal Love promises production values to match any West End spectacular, a cast of 20 supremely talented performers, choreography and costumes of the very highest calibre, and that score.

It confidently bills itself as ‘the first rock musical championing an original score since the Rocky Horror Show’.

“Eternal Love: The Musical establishes a brand-new vision for the genre of musical theatre,” says Steve.

“In addition to possessing everything you’d expect from a West End musical, on occasions it unashamedly breaks the fourth wall, ensuring that the fast-paced humour – which has earnt the Vampires Rock franchise its cult following – persists.”

To borrow from the famed lyrics of Saint Elmo’s Fire, Steve Steinman is a man in motion, a man who can see a new horizon for the future of rock musicals, a man set to be flying higher and higher.

Thirty-five performances are already on sale for the UK tour of Eternal Love: The Musical. Tickets are available from: EternalLoveTheMusical.com

Side Bar

Songwriter Supreme John Parr

As well as penning the title track to blockbuster Brat Pack movie St Elmo’s Fire, taking the song to number one in America’s Billboard Chart, John has many famous film score compositions to his name. . .

He wrote the lead song to hit film Three Men and a Baby – a song titled The Minute I Saw You

Classic Arnold Schwarzenegger film Running Man features John’s single Restless Heart, co-written with Harold Faltermeyer

The lyrics of St Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) were written to honour Canadian athlete Rick Hansen, who journeyed around the word in his wheelchair to raise spinal cord injury awareness.

The video for the St Elmo’s Fire single featured John along with the Brat Pack cast of the film. It was recorded in just 24 hours – John needed to be back in the UK the next day!

On Saturday 6 April 2024, MAMMA MIA! celebrated its 25th anniversary, only the third musical in the history of the West End to do so.  The cast were joined by Björn Ulvaeus, Judy Craymer (creator and producer), Catherine Johnson (book writer), Anthony van Laast (choreographer), Siobhan McCarthy (original Donna), Lisa Stokke (original Sophie) and guests Zoe Ball and daughter Nelly, Lesley Nicol, Giles Martin (record producer, songwriter & son of George Martin) and daughters, David Joseph (Chair & CEO of Universal Music UK), John Kennedy (entertainment lawyer and former Chair & CEO of Universal UK), Nick Allott, Issy van Randwyck, Anneka Rice, Nina Nannar, Jane Moore, Andrew Pierce, Amanda Platell, Paul Gambaccini, Jemma Redgrave and Simon Slater.

The London production stars Mazz Murray as Donna, Kate Graham as Tanya, Nicola-Dawn Brook as Rosie, Haydn Oakley as Sam, Christopher Dickins as Harry, Stephen Beckett as Bill, Stevie Doc as Sophie, Tobias Turley as Sky, Jessie Odeleye as Ali, Olivia Brookes as Lisa, Chay Wills as Eddie and Arcangelo Ciulla as Pepper, with Natalie Langston playing Donna at certain performances.

Photo credit: Piers Allardyce.

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED TO PLAY ALONGSIDE TV COMEDY ROYALTY VICKI PEPPERDINE, KIELL SMITH-BYNOE AND DAN SKINNER IN A BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF GOGOL’S SATIRICAL MASTERPIECE

NEWLY ANNOUNCED CAST MEMBERS INCLUDE THE DURRELLS’ ANNA SAVVA AND DOCTOR WHO’S DAN STARKEY

OPENING AT THE MARYLEBONE THEATRE

3 MAY – 15 JUNE 2024

 TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE

The full cast has today been announced for the brand-new adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s satirical masterpiece, THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR, premiering at the Marylebone Theatre from 3 May – 15 June 2024, with a press night on Wednesday 8 May.

“There’s no money in honesty!”
A comedy about hypocrites, hysterics and hustlers.

As previously announced, the production will star TV comedy royalty Vicki Pepperdine (Poor Things, Getting On, Dear Joan and Jericha) as Mrs Swashprattle alongside Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts, Stath Lets Flats, Taskmaster, Man Like Mobeen) as Percy Fopdoodle and Dan Skinner (Shooting Stars, This Time with Alan Partridge, The Kennedys) as Governor Swashprattle.

The full cast announced today are Peter Clements (The Incident Room – New Diorama Theatre, Frau Monde: Farewell to the Theatre – Hackney Showroom) as ‘Ivan Brabble’, Chaya Gupta (Hansel and Gretel – Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, We’ll Have Nun Of It – Edinburgh Fringe & The Other Palace) as ‘Miss Swashprattle’, David Hartley (Macbeth & Henry VI – Shakespeare’s Globe, Measure for Measure – Shakespeare’s Globe & US Tour) as ‘Reverand Jargogle’, Nigel Hastings (And Then Come The Night Jars – Theatre503, UK Tours and Film Adaptation, Dmitry – Marylebone Theatre) as ‘Dr Mumpsimus’, Christopher Hunter (Mr Selfridge – ITV, Romeo and Juliet – Royal Shakespeare Company) as ‘Postmaster Cumberworld’, Daniel Millar (The Pillowman & The Play That Goes Wrong – West End, King Lear & Frankenstein – National Theatre) as ‘Fudgel’, Anna Savva (The Durrells – ITV, Henry VIII – Shakespeare’s Globe) as ‘Judge Woofit’, Dan Starkey (Doctor Who – BBC, Class Dismissed & Wizards vs. Aliens – CBBC) as ‘Ivan Grubble’ and Alison Ward (NewsRevue – Canal Café Theatre, Big Field – BBC3) as ‘Cyril/Marigold’.

This hilarious new adaptation sets the action in a small parochial town in late 19^th century Britain, where the corrupt local officials mistake an over-privileged, vainglorious liar, who just happens to be passing through the town, for a high-ranking government inspector. Desperate to cover up their crimes and escape censure, the town’s Governor and his cronies pull out all the stops to try and bribe this dishonest buffoon with money, wine and women.

Vicki Pepperdine said, “I’m looking forward to getting to grips with Patrick’s great new adaptation of this classic tale, full of subterfuge, flirtation and plenty of jokes about government corruption!”

Kiell Smith Bynoe said, “Very excited to be back on the stage in this hilarious adaptation. Can’t wait to get in front of an audience and misbehave.”

Dan Skinner said, “The Government Inspector is an absolute classic and there has never been a better time than now to retell this story of corrupt councillors, vanity and opportunism. As well as being a story for our times, it’s also very funny and I can’t wait to get stuck in!”

The Government Inspector has cemented its reputation as one of the greatest comedies in world literature and ensured that wherever a corrupt and hypocritical government is in power, this play finds its way to the stage.

The Government Inspector is adapted and directed by Patrick Myles, with set and costume design by Melanie Jane Brookes, lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, sound design by Jamie Lu, and casting consultancy by Matilda James.

Hope Mill Theatre announces the return of rock musical LIZZIE to Manchester for a strictly limited 3 week run this Autumn

Thursday 17^th October to Sunday 10^th Nov 2024

Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester

Tickets on sale now for the general run

With an exclusive Halloween Gala Night for the fans on

Thursday 31^st Oct 7:30pm (on sale 4^th August 2024)

Hope Mill Theatre has announced the return of its hit production of rock musical LIZZIE in Manchester this October for a strictly limited 3-week run.

The show will run at Hope Mill Theatre from Thursday 17^th October to Sunday 10^th November 2024.

LIZZIE explores the life of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892.

The rock musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2009, delves into Lizzie’s complex psyche and speculates on the motivations she may have had: loss of inheritance, history of sexual abuse, oppression, and madness.

Lizzie, along with her older sister Emma, maid Bridget, and neighbour Alice, bring to life the infamous story supported on stage by an all-female band.

Lizzie is Rage! Sex! Betrayal! Bloody Murder!

Casting to be announced.

Lizzie The Musical will be directed and choreographed by William Whelton, and has music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt, lyrics by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner and a book by Tim Maner.

William Whelton said: “After such a successful run of LIZZIE The Musical last autumn in Manchester and across the UK including a run at London’s Southwark Playhouse ELEPHANT I am thrilled to bring LIZZIE back home to Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre, where the show was rehearsed and created, for a strictly limited run this Autumn. Audiences across the UK fell in love with this show just as much as I have and I can’t wait to share this again with fans of the show and welcoming even more new audiences into The House of Borden. The show will run over Halloween this Autumn which is the perfect time of year and we are planning a very special performance on the 31^st October, full of surprises for the fans, tickets for this one off night will go on sale on the 4^th of August 2024 exactly 131 years since the murders took place’’  

LIZZIE has swung her axe in over 60 cities, in 6 countries, in 5 languages, across 4 continents and has been honoured with dozens of awards including 8 Best Musical Awards! (and she’s still swinging…)

Music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt

Lyrics by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner

Book by Tim Maner

Additional Music by Tim Maner

Additional Lyrics by Alan Stevens Hewitt

Based on an original concept by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner

Orchestrations by Alan Stevens Hewit

Produced by Hope Mill Theatre, Director/Choreographer William Whelton, Set and Lighting Design Andrew Exeter, Sound Designer Adam Fisher, Musical Supervision Katy Richardson, Video Designer Dan Light, Dialect Coach Manny Crooks, Costume Designer Rachel Tansey, Associate Choreographer Yandass Ndlovu and Casting by Pearson Casting CDG CDA CSA.

LIZZIE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC. (www.broadwaylicensing.com).

LISTINGS

Lizzie the Musical

Hope Mill Theatre Manchester

Thursday 17^th October to Sunday 10^th Nov 2024

To book visit: https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/lizzie/

York Theatre Royal – Friday 5th April 2024

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

On Friday evening I had the pleasure of watching John Godber’s Bouncers at the York Theatre Royal. The place was buzzing, it was great to see the show was so well attended. I must admit that beforehand I was unaware of Bouncers and John Godber’s work, which isn’t a bad thing, I enjoy watching live theatre “blind”, so I have no preconceived ideas.

The first version of Bouncers was written in 1977 but has evolved since then. Written by the working-class Johne Godber, this play is a story about nightlife for the working class in the 1980’s.

With only four actors on stage, they play bouncers, Lucky Eric (Frazer Hammill), Judd (Nick Figgis), Ralph (Tom Whittaker) and Les (George Reid), at Mr Cinders nightclub. Not only do they portray the bouncer’s perspective of a night out, but four lads and four lasses, all whilst wearing their black dinner suits and bow ties, with only the addition of pink handbags to physically annotate the ladies.

Under the watchful eye of the bouncers, we see and hear the characters they encounter over an evening. Lads have saved up their dole money for a night out. They are rude and crude and all hoping to be lucky at the end of the night. Lasses are primped and primed, ready for a good night out, dancing around their handbags, yes this did happen back then. The cheesy DJ encouraging the outrageous behaviour, and drink throwing inhibitions out the window.

This show is hilarious take on the reality of what went on and still goes on, every weekend across the country. It not only sticks to the niceties, but it is also quite brutal in places, with some serious issues. Hammill as Lucky Eric, hits this home as he makes you stop and think with his time in the spotlight, with four social monologues. He is a tortured soul, missing his cheating wife and kids, jaded by what he sees all around him, he’s had enough.

The show is full of tunes from the 1980’s, my favourite era, I couldn’t help but sing along. The antics of a night out resonated with me, that was my life the latter half of the 80’s. I remember so well the backcombed hair, sticky floors, smarmy DJ’s, just having a good time, not so much the seedier side. The behaviours are still happening today, both good and bad.

This is an excellent ensemble piece with the talented actors. They interact so well together, playing many different characters along the way, switching their roles seamlessly, with a flick of a switch. Full of physical gags and sharp one liners, with some song and dance numbers thrown in. It’s both hilarious and hard hitting at the same time. A must-see piece of theatre.

Touring until the end of April.

Leicester Square Theatre – until Saturday 6th April 2024

Reviewed by Fiona Leyman

5*****

American Comedian, Reginald D Hunter has been working the comedy circuit in the UK for over 21 years. Travelling to the UK in 1997, he agreed to a dare, to perform his first comedy set, and has now become one of the UK’s most popular comedians. Hailed “Stand-Up’s Coolest Customer”, Hunter is a fan favourite on stage, but he also has had regular appearances on hit tv shows such as Have I Got News For You, 8 out of 10 Cats and the coveted Live at the Apollo. As many know, appearing on stage at Live at the Apollo is dream most comedians have, but not all can achieve.

His newest UK Tour, The Man Who Could See Through Shit has been touring since October 2023. Hunter himself has admitted this show is a “work in progress” so he can prepare himself for The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which he will be appearing at again this August. His own mother is the inspiration for the title of the show, with her saying “It is easy to see through shit. The hard part is pretending you haven’t”. Hating to admit, Hunter confirms there nothing further from the truth.

A Gifted story teller, Hunter is able to keep audiences engaged, with sides splitting at every punchline. Comedians like Hunter are not “jokey joke” comedians like his “Sperm” (his 21-year-old daughter) wanted him to be. Instead, he will take you through a journey of past stories which end in very amusing punchlines. He does not require the instant roar of laughter throughout the set, instead his stories could be 1-2 minutes long, then the punchline hits and the audience erupt with laughter and can be heard throughout the theatre.

However, not all were laughing. Hunter can be controversial at times, and could offend with the language he uses, but in this day and age, comedians are here to shock, to say the things we all think, but are too scared to say. With the world the way it is right now, there was no doubt that certain subjects would be hot topic in a comedic set. Israel, The Royal Family, Politics, Religion are just some of the subjects covered. Some found these subjects offensive, but it makes you wonder why people choose to see a comedian if they are easily offended right? Personally, we laughed throughout his set, especially visualising Queen Camilla as a “Ghetto Girl” because I understand these are jokes, and not a personal dig.

A huge highlight of the night was warm-up act Irish Comedian Al Porter. A polar opposite to Hunter comedic style, Porter stories were absolutely hilarious throughout the entire set. Porter’s style of comedy is short, snappy stories with punchlines coming one after the other. Loveably camp, and most jokes about his early life in Ireland or very extensive love life, we both had tears rolling down our faces. He was a very pleasant surprise for the evening because warm up acts can be hit or miss.

All in all, there was a mixed response to Hunter but, knowing what type of comedian he was before I set foot in the theatre, his language, his stories did not offend or have me cringing in my seat. Comedians do what they do to make people laugh and Hunter is a gifted comedian and manages this every time.

Richmond Theatre – until 6 April 2024

Reviewed by Alec Legge

5*****

My first visit to the Richmond Theatre in Surrey, which is a lovely Grade 2 listed theatre in the heart of Richmond, overlooking The Green, a large grassy area. Once inside this 840 seat venue which is 125 years old, this year, the décor is as one would expect for a theatre built in the last part of the 19th century and is beautifully preserved.

So to the play itself which is a comedy based on the Alfred Hitchcock film of the John Buchan book ‘The 39 Steps‘. This is a much loved spy thriller and I wondered how it would adapt to being a comedy.

However right from the opening scene the show was fast paced and side-splitting funny. It was obviously well rehearsed and the use of portable scenery to add to the comedy was marvellous.

The actors were splendid; with Tom Byrne as Richard Hannay, giving a first class performance as the stiff upper lipped, pencil mustachioed, Englishman caught up in a spy plot and being wanted by the police for a murder which he did not commit.

Safeena Ladha was a tour de force playing three parts, Pamela, Annabella and Margaret. Her performance was sublime as the upper class, blonde, Pamela who gradually fell in love with Hannay,also the smart seducer, whose murder at Hannay’s flat and whose dying scene ends up with her falling horizontally on Hannay’s lap with a knife in her back and Hannays reaction was hilarious. Her third character, Margaret, the shy wife of a crofter, in mop cap and pigtails made her unrecognisable as the other two parts she played.

Eugene McCoy and Maddie Rice played so many parts that it is hard to list them all. They included spies, policemen, detectives, crofters, hoteliers and train passengers. Their possibly best scene being as the Memory Man and his assistant. The Memory Man being used by the spy ring to remember the state secrets as a means to getting the secrets out of the country. The scene at the London Palladium where the evil Professor and head spy shot the Memory Man while he was on stage and his denouement was uproarious.

All in all this show was the funniest I have seen for a very long time, the acting superb, the laughs coming every few seconds, the use of portable scenery such as doors on wheels and used for exits and entrances and windows moved about the stage, climbed through as though getting in and out of places, it was all so hilarious. Even though it was so funny the original plot of The 39 Steps was recognisable throughout.

I thoroughly enjoyed this show and would recommend it highly which is why I have rated it at 5 stars. Well deserved!

Hull New Theatre – until 6th April 2024

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

4****

Opera North brought Director Tim Albery’s revival of Cosi fan tutte to Hulls New Theatre last night. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s music with the libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte was brought to life by the very talented cast and Orchestra of Opera North who were conducted by Chloe Rooke.

Set in 18th century Naples Cosi fan tutte (or as it translates “they’re all the same”) tells the story of two sisters Fiordiligi (Alexandra Lowe) and Dorabella (Heather Lowe) and their lovers Guglielmo (Henry Neill) and Ferrando (Anthony Gregory). Philosopher Don Alfonso (Quirijn de Lang) bets the two young men that the women will not be faithful to them if the opportunity arises, the friends are convinced that they will be and they agree to follow Don Alfonsos instructions for 24 hours. The women are told that Guglielmo and Ferrando must leave for war immediately and of course they are very upset. Don Alfonso bribes the women’s servant, Despina (Pasquale Orchard), to introduce two foreign suitors to the women. The sisters don’t realise that the men are in disguise and they are in fact Guglielmo and Ferrando. The sisters are shocked by the men’s advances and quickly reject them. Despina again tries to get the woman to give the men a chance and they start to admit they are starting to feel attracted to them little knowing that they falling for their sister’s real-life love.

What follows is the sisters being conflicted in their feeling towards their lovers who they think they have gone to war and the two new suitors. We see the men thinking that women are “all the same” as they both admit their feelings have changed towards them. The sisters are ready to marry their new lovers when the news comes in that Guglielmo and Ferrando are coming home from the war, the sisters panic and then the men reveal themselves as being the foreign suitors all along. Don Alfonso wins his bet and Despina has to admit to the women that even she was taken in by the two men’s disguises.

There were only six cast members on the stage and a special mention must be made to Pasquale Orchard who played Despina. She is normally part of the chorus and took the part due to illness of the original cast member. She was brilliant and her diction, singing and acting were first class.

Opera North are a very talented company, everything came together to make this into a must-see production for any Opera fan.

DRAMATIC, SUSPENSEFUL AND RIOTOUSLY FUNNY – THE 39 STEPS VISITS NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL

For the first time in eight years, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning comedy, The 39 Steps, is to tour the UK, where Newcastle Theatre Royal (Tue 9 – Sat 13 Apr 2024) will be the first stop outside of London.

John Buchan wrote the book in 1915 and Alfred Hitchcock turned it into a classic spy film in the 1930s, but the producer of the stage version of The 39 Steps Edward (Ed) Snape of Fiery Angel Productions feels, despite being set in 1935, the story very much resonates today.

He smiles. “But the best thing of all is that this version is a comedy and I think people want that more than ever now. They want to laugh. It’s a story with suspense and drama but also absurd, wonderful comedy.”

Patrick Barlow, who did the play’s side-splitting adaptation and whose acting credits include Shakespeare in Love, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Nanny McPhee, A Very English Scandal and Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, feels theatregoers will also relate to the hero Richard Hannay, saying: “He has a realisation of what a dangerous world we’re in and that we have to be really careful of people bullying us, totalitarian states and so on. That might make it sound deadly serious but I hope it’s also riotously funny. It’s madcap and very fast-moving but with heart.”

The play has toured to 39 countries and played to more than three million people around the world.

“It’s hard to come up with countries that we haven’t visited,” Ed says proudly. “At one point it was the most performed play in North America in one year apart from Shakespeare. That’s pretty cool, isn’t it? And it’s something that you can bring anyone to, from age eight to 80.”

At the centre of the story is the stiff-upper-lipped, gung-ho, pencil-moustached everyman Hannay, who is mistakenly drawn into a world of dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents and devastatingly beautiful women as he flees for his life. One of the many clever twists is that Hannay is an innocent man on the run from the bad guys. “They’re the villains, not him,” Patrick points out.

Ed agrees, “Here is a man who feels the world is against him and he’s got to prove his innocence. He thinks of himself as unlovable, then he falls in love and finds that actually he is lovable.”

There’s another clever twist to the production: one actor plays Hannay while three other performers take on the 139 characters swirling around him. Barlow, who acts as well as writes, marvels: “I have watched from backstage and the actors rush on and off, bang into each other, props are taken off and props are brought on. It’s done very, very fast and everybody is acting very seriously as if they know exactly what they’re doing, which isn’t always the case. The joke is they’re always a bit thrown by the next scene.”

Snape laughs. “And the audience is on the edge of their seats wondering not only about the story and the spy thriller, but also how on earth these four actors are going to do all of this in one evening. And that’s the joy of The 39 Steps – the spectacle of it all and four actors doing the near-impossible.”

It retains the 1930s setting and costumes and features some of the original score from the Hitchcock film. “So you’re transported into it as if you’re actually living in a movie,” says Patrick of a play that also includes a few nods to other films directed by the Master of Suspense. “I’m not going to say what they are but, if you’re a Hitchcock buff and you see the show, you’ll spot them for sure.”

How does Patrick balance comedy with suspense in the script? “Well, as long as both engines are running, as long as there are some really funny moments and funny lines in it and as long as it really is genuinely, nail-bitingly scary, which this definitely is, then that’s how we keep the balance going.”

The production hasn’t toured the UK since 2016 and Ed believes the timing is just right for its return. He smiles again. “As I say, more than ever we want to laugh, and I guarantee The 39 Steps will deliver on that promise.”

The 39 Steps plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 9 – Sat 13 Apr 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Following the announcement of our Romeo & Juliet cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company.

This must stop.

We are working with a remarkable group of artists. We insist that they are free to create work without facing online harassment.

We will continue to support and protect everyone in our company at all costs. Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported.

Bullying and harassment have no place online, in our industry or in our wider communities.

Our rehearsal room is full of joy, compassion and kindness. We celebrate the extraordinary talent of our incredible collaborators. The Romeo & Juliet community will continue to rehearse with generosity and love, and focus on the creation of our production