The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 4th May 2024
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
4****
The 39 Steps stops at The Sheffield Lyceum on its first UK tour in eight years. This play is the longest running play in West End history! The 39 Steps was a novel written by John Buchan in 1915. Alfred Hitchcock then turned it into the classic spy film in the 1930s, becoming popular with many. Follow the entertaining adventures of the handsome, typically British Richard Hannay as he experiences murder and beautiful women. This comedy thriller is rather gripping and features four actors, playing 139 roles in just 100 minutes!
The stage adaptation by Patrick Barlow is written so innovatively. It is so fast moving with gags aplenty, and a slapstick feel to it in parts. The audience absolutely love it and it seems like they are all dedicated 39 Steps fans. The set is extremely well designed, it really gives you that sense of being in the 1930s and the details are spot on thanks to Peter Mckintosh, set and costume designer.
The cast are extremely well suited to this production with their super energies and comedic timing, which are both essential. Eugene McCoy really stands out in his moment as Mr Memory (amongst many), great comic that he is. Tom Byrne plays Richard Hannay perfectly and it would be almost impossible to see anyone fit this role better than Byrne. He has great charisma and charm and is consistent with his character all the way through. Maddie Rice needs to really get a medal for some of the speedy changing characters that she gets through, often switching rapidly from person to person just by either using hats (sometimes 3 at a time!) or an outfit which has a character on the left of the costume and one on the right, bringing out the character by turning sideways. Safeena Ladha plays all three of her characters like the true professional she is, with her previous experience of multi-rolling she makes it look like its easy!
This is a must-see if you are a 39 steps fan…even if not, it is worth a shot if you are into fast-paced fun and action that keeps you on your toes!