The 39 Steps

The 39 Steps is an adaptation of the Hitchcock thriller performed with just four actors. The main part, Richard Hannay is played by the same actor all the way through but the other actors play multiple parts. The play, adapted by Patrick Barlow, is based on the 1935 Hitchcock film which was itself based on (although differs from) John Buchan's novel.

I had a chat with co-directors Dan Clarke and Steph Weller before their rehearsal on Thursday. They described the complexity of the show, there are 50 different costumes and 70 - 90 props. There are also various technical challenges like how to stage a chase along a moving train. The script apparently gives a few ideas but then just tells the director to do it however they like. They showed me a detailed scale model of the set including doors and windows on wheels, a pull out fireplace and a bedroom that revolves to become a reception. The cast and crew have only just got access to the theatre after the end of Blackbird so the challenge over the next three weeks is to transform all these great ideas into reality.

I don't know what is going on in this photo but it looks interested.

The stage management is going to be a vital part of this play, in fact it is so complex that two stage managers are needed each night one each side of the stage both with an assistant. They will need to know where and when actors are coming off stage what costumes changes they will need and what props. They will also need to help the actors make some quick costume changes. I'm already booked to go back on at the weekend - I want to interview Tony who is doing the props I hear there are some interesting stories about the sourcing of the props.

The 39 Steps has been chosen as a 'Third Thursday' event by local arts group Jelly. You can buy a ticket for the first night (17th November) from Jelly, they cost £10 (no booking fee) including a free drink, a talk from the directors and a chance to meet the artist exhibiting in the foyer. See the Jelly website for more details.

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Coming up -

Second auditions for Art by Yasmina Reza  Sunday 30th October at 4pm

The 39 Steps by John Buchan, adapted by Patrick Barlow 17th-26th Nov 2011

6th Annual WriteFest 8th - 10th December 2011

See Progress Theatre website for details of all our productions and auditions.