Well, what an absolutely wonderful, joyful evening at the theatre! The 39 Steps, performed by multi award-winning, Blackburn Drama Club, had all the elements for a fabulous show…
Firstly, the stunning home of this historic Drama Club, Blackburn Empire Theatre, which has a wonderful blend of traditional and modern decor, including exposed brick walls, an exquisite red proscenium arch decorated with ornate gold details, a beautiful plush red curtain, as well as carefully laid out seating, ensuring all an excellent view. There could not have been a better location for this production, which is set in 1935, but has a modern twist!
From the off, the auditorium was used to full effect, with actors using the sides and the seated area to heighten the desperation and urgency of Annabella Schmidt’s quest to evade the secret organisation of spies, The 39 Steps, who are threatening to leak vital security information and kill all those that try to stop them.
Based on the 1915 book by John Buchan and the subsequent 1935 film by iconic film director, Sir Alfred Hitchcock, this is a playful, zany interpretation which cleverly alternates between comedy and tension. Played, by only six, incredibly talented actors, Clive Stack’s direction made for an engaging, imaginative performance filled with intrigue, mischief and lots of laughs.
Andrew Raphael gave a superb, confident performance as Richard Hannay, unwittingly entangled in a plot where only he can save the nation. Raphael’s Hannay was suitably laid back at times, humming during moments of tension, yet assertive, bold and focused when needed. Raphael’s comic facial expressions when those around him were attracted to his ‘piercing blue eyes’ and ‘rugged’ appearance, made for great viewing. Raphael signalling to cut the romantic music at awkward moments brought much laughter. Raphael was engaging and believable as the unlikely hero who journeys from an everyman figure, feeling bored, unloved and invisible, to a romantic heartthrob with a vital role in the security of the country, all leading to a happier, more fulfilled life. I was interested to read, that this story was popular with men in the trenches in the First World War. A story of bravery and making a difference.
Holly Boland was convincing as the disbelieving, exasperated Pamela Edwards (and ‘a handful of other characters’). Boland’s crystal clear voice ensured that the audience could follow every word. Boland and each and every actor in this parody play needs commending for their versatility with accents, characterisation and comic timing, startlingly good.
Simon Butterworth excelled as the news broadcaster, becoming more comical with each appearance. Butterworth brilliantly played the villainous Professor Jordan (as well as ‘a range of other characters’), bringing across both the humour and the dark, menacing side to the role.
Stephen Claxon gave a very confident performance as the Compere (also the ‘Milkman, the Sheriff and practically everyone else’), never an easy thing to do to address the audience directly, but Claxon’s confidence and charm ensured the audience were left feeling entertained, welcomed and secure in the knowledge that Claxon could deal with anything that wasn’t in the script! Claxon’s versatility as an actor was displayed as he convincingly changed accents, costumes and character, seemingly with every swift entrance and exit.
Paul McGowan was engaging as Mr Memory and very comical as Mrs McGarrigle and John McTyte (and ‘a host of other characters’). McGowan’s incredible energy and commitment to each character was certainly impressive and very entertaining.
Heather Roberts as Annabella Schmidt, superbly heightened the sense of intrigue and mystery, especially during the death scene, which was magnificently acted, and credit must be given for holding the challenging corpse position too! Again, wonderful use of accents, characterisation and humour throughout.
Planes, trains and automobiles feature heavily in Hitchcock’s films and were definite highlights in this play. The train scene was hysterical as the passengers changed places, politely apologising for getting in one another’s way, followed by the newspaper seller, the police officer and conductor hilariously appearing in quick succession with quicker and quicker costume changes. The makeshift car was incredibly effective. This production really put the slap in slapstick, including a ringing whack with a silver tray steering wheel and loud slaps across the face, hours of rehearsal have clearly gone into this and the clever comic timing of all the actors must be applauded.
The airplane scene was incredibly creative, and I absolutely loved the interpretive dance!
The use of minimal staging worked really well for this fast-paced play, this meant doors could be wheeled into place and windows could be looked out of at any angle to great comic effect. Benches, ladders and the stage crew (dressed as decorators), recreated The Forth Bridge, a simple but effective (tongue-in-cheek) technique, however, this combined with the superb acting created a real sense of peril.
With nods to some of the comedy legends including, Sir Norman Wisdom, Stephen Lewis, and the humour in Monty Python, there were so many fabulously funny moments, including wayward moustaches and eyebrows, the reluctant herd of sheep, the conundrum of crossing the style in handcuffs, the roaring fire, the ad-libs, all brilliant. Comedy requires skill and confidence, and this cast certainly have this in abundance.
This has clearly been a huge team effort. The Lights and Sound (by Ryan Clegg and Alex Pickup) added greatly to the humour including well-timed whistles, gun shots and romantic music on cue. Costumes (Jane Stack and Shirley Watson) were in keeping with the period and along with Props (Rebecca Unsworth), all must have been incredibly busy with all the hectic quick changes. I am a huge of fan of seeing the Backstage Crew join in with the curtain call and I was not disappointed.
This is a fantastic play, full of delightful mischief and mayhem and incredible talent!
The 39 Steps runs until Saturday 24th May at Blackburn Empire Theatre so grab those tickets quickly! https://blackburnempire.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173658902
Reviewer: Emma Wild
Reviewed: 21st May 2025
North West End UK Rating: