Review: The 39 Steps

by Jen Aitken | 8:28 pm 11/07/2010

Adapted by Patrick Barlow Directed by Hilary Norris Starring Patrick Davies, Anna Henare, Mark Neilson, and Danny Still Fortune Theatre Mainstage (4/5)

“They don’t give up, they damn well keep going.” – Richard Hannay 

The 39 Steps, performed by an extremely skilled cast of four, opened to a very appreciative audience on a cold and rather dismal Dunedin evening. Akin to a two-and-a-half-hour round of high-energy theatre sports, this play was one where the narrative was intriguing but didn’t really matter. The actors played with each other and played with the audience and they never let their focus or energy lag; they just damned well kept going.

Davies and Still had the most fun. This Tweedledee and Tweedledum pairing showcased tens of characters each, varying in stature, accent, costume, and even sex. Watching these two play was an absolute joy. The standout character of the evening had to be Davies’ ‘decrepit Scottish man’. As Davies entered the space like a newborn foal, limbs akimbo, one could not but marvel at the immaculate command he had over his body. Kudos should also go to Davies for indulging in the performance of the most strenuous death scene ... ever.

Norris used the space to its fullest extent, allowing her actors the luxury of injecting themselves into (and at times onto) the audience. These moments were very organic – the actors earned this luxury and they were a treat for the audience. 

This high-energy, high-spirited romp is packed with delightful characters, staging, and costumes. This show really is a credit to the incredible physical talents of the cast and I would suggest that it is worth venturing out on a cold winter evening to experience the joy that is The 39 Steps. 

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