Step by Step

     The west-ends longest running comedy, 39 Steps, is a theatrical adaptation of Hitchcock's film adaptation of John Buchan's spy thriller novel of the same name. One may think with all this adapting much of the works original meaning would get lost, but 39 steps has managed to make a comedy out of a thriller and much of it's success is through the limited casts ability to quickly transform themselves into multiple characters at the drop of a dime.
    
     The 39 Steps runs just shy of two hours, at the lovely historical Criterion Theatre, and not once do you feel bored or distracted. The actors manage to keep you on your toes as the four of them play over 130 plus different characters. The plays catch phrase of "4 Actors, 139 Characters in 100 hilarious minutes" clues you into the wild ride you are about to embark upon as the play opens.

     39 Steps tells the story of young, handsome Richard Hannay, played brilliantly by David Bark-Jones, and his attempt to clear his name as he is wrogfully accused of murder, by corrupt double agents (Timothy Speyer and Jeremy Swift), all while encountering dangerously beautiful women (Dianne Pilkington) along the way.
The play has also recieved its fair share of recognition and has been crowned "Best New Comedy" by the Olivier Awards along with winner of "Best New Comedy" by whatsonstage.com Awards.

     Even if you've never seen the film version or read the novel, this play is innovative enough to win over just about anyone in the audience. The comedic timing of the actors alone is enough to keep you interested in the storyline, and many times the audience was left laughing hysterically as the storyline progressed into dizzying heights of absurdity and hilarity. I would highly recommend checking out this production, priced at 20 pounds for students, you can't go wrong for a fun night out filled with laughs and adventure.

Carla Holden