Adapting a film for the stage is no mean feat, especially if the film is an MGM blockbuster of its time, by hugely successful, iconic director and producer, Sir Alfred Hitchcock. These are certainly big shoes to fill. A challenge taken on by multi-award winning director, Emma Rice, in the world première adaptation of North by Northwest. How would Rice’s theatre company, Wise Children, translate Hitchcock’s use of masterful focus, suspense and tongue-in-cheek humour to the stage? Well, the resulting show did not disappoint and was an absolute joy to behold!
Visiting HOME in central Manchester was a privilege and a pleasure, vibrant and buzzing with energy on the outside, and, as the name suggests, warm and welcoming on the inside. A comfortable, modern, spacious auditorium, the perfect setting for this high-paced, energetic show.
Rob Howell’s set looked incredible from the start, with a row of suits lining the back wall and four wooden revolving doors, with a colourful cocktail bar within each one, perfectly epitomising the style and elegance of 1950’s. The revolving doors were used creatively throughout to convey different locations, a wonderful choice of staging, perfect for the convoluted story of Roger Thornhill, the unassuming, innocent advertising executive, literally going round in circles trying to unravel the mystery behind his mistaken identity – as the elusive George Kaplan.
Alfred Hitchcock would choose to appear fleetingly in cameo roles in his films, however, Rice appears to have put Hitchcock central to this production, as the character of the Professor. Katy Owen excelled as the audience-engaging Professor, a multi-morphing character who entertains as narrator, spectator and investigator and hilariously, Lady of the Townsend Estate, to name a few of the many roles. Owen’s engaging presence brought laughter, wit and pathos to the stage. Owen urged the audience to keep up with play, with helpful recaps and timely observations, at times this felt too intrusive to the action, but nonetheless a constant reminder of who is directing the action, a theme which dominates this show. Who is pulling the strings? This performance certainly keeps the audience guessing.
Like Hitchcock, Rice certainly likes to work with some of the best talent. Cary Grant is a tough act to follow, but up steps Ewan Wardrop, perfectly cast with an absolutely faultless performance as the bewildered Roger Thornhill. Wardrop’s expressions were just perfect to give a believable portrayal of a man caught up in an unbelievable scenario. Wardrop and cast never allowed the audience to take this melodrama too seriously, as scene changes became dance routines and emotional moments were parodied by exaggerated lip syncing to songs from the era. All six talented performers must be commended for their excellent physicality, especially when performing Etta Murfitt’s inspired choreography, again, often bringing humour and light relief. A personal highlight being the dream sequence pas de deux of Roger Thornhill (Wardrop) and the Police Officer, brilliantly played by Simon Oskarsson. Mirabelle Gremaud showed an incredible, graceful acrobatic ability when playing many of the supportive roles in the story, yet Gremaud adapted convincingly to become Anna, one of Vandamm’s intimidating heavies.
Malcom’s Rippeth’s lighting design was subtle but incredibly effective and in keeping with the period. Sound, by Simon Baker added to the suspense, the tension and the comedy of the piece.
The prop making team, Charlotte Neville, Hannah Sharp, Jamie Misselbook, Sarah Crispin and Dom Marshall, cannot go unnoticed. The ingenious close-ups of the clues were remarkable and hilarious! A very clever nod to Hitchcock’s genius with the lens. Suitcases are absolutely everywhere in this show, used not only as a way of playing with perspectives and size (note Mount Rushmore in a case!) but as useful labels for characters and settings, an inventive and very clever storytelling technique. Huge congratulations to the whole production team and backstage crew, a wonderful team effort.
Rice has clearly updated this performance for the modern day, a twist at the end ensures that Eve Kendall (Patrycja Kujawska) is empowered to become more than Mrs Thornhill. Despite the humour and the improbable story, a poignant ending (featuring a trademark Hitchcock MacGuffin) seems scarily relevant in a fragile, uncertain, modern world.
Reviewer: Emma Wild
Reviewed: 29th April 2025
North West End UK Rating: