For their final instalment of their centenary season, Bebington Dramatic Society have brought the hilarious The 39 Steps to the Gladstone theatre and what a treat it is. Originating as a novel in 1915, it then inspired the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film, which in turn was turned in to a play.
The set, to start, is rather bare, with a covered chair, a table with a few props on, a window and 2 step ladders at the back providing the set up for the play and with clever use of different pieces such as a lamppost, a door and numerous suitcases, we are transported through many scenes from the theatre, a train, to a hotel room and everything in between.
The story follows Richard Hannay (Richard Dodd) as he goes on the run after being falsely accused of murdering Annabella Schmidt (Danielle Jones) and learning of the plans of a spy ring, his quest to get to Scotland to find out what The 39 Steps are and to stop a precious form of information leaving the country.
Danielle Jones plays Schmidt well and her death scene is played out brilliantly with lots of laughs. Once Schmidt is murdered, the play then becomes a four person play who deliver an incredible amount of characters. Dodd is brilliant as Hannay, adding a huge amount of physical comedy, great facial expressions and a lot of energy, barely leaving the stage and giving us top notch acting throughout. It a tough role with a lot of lines and he is perfect. Jenny Jones shines as both Pamela and Margaret, two completely different characters and delivered to such a high standard with only a tiny hint of help from the prompt during an incredibly wordy scene.
Danny Myers and Mike Jones absolutely steal this show and deliver a multitude of characters, sometimes in seconds with the change of a hat, an accent or at one point swapping costumes right in front of us to become new characters once again. Again, the energy, the talent and likeability shine through here. This is a huge achievement to be able to deliver so many characters with so many costumes and accents, they deserve the highest praise.
Director David Oliver has done a wonderful job bringing this cast and play together to the high standard we witnessed tonight, using the space extremely well to take the audience focus to other places while set changes were taking place.
Lighting, provided by Adam Comer, for the most is very good and used well to accompany the piece adding atmosphere and ambience. There are a few times cast members are in the dark a little but it looked more likely the cast were slightly in the wrong place but it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the piece.
Costumes by Jenny Jones are wonderful, adding so much to the play and fit perfectly for the era.
Stage manager Jen Scanlan and team do a great job of keeping the piece moving with set changes for the most happening quickly and only the occasional stage crew getting caught running across to set a prop, this just added to the fun. Sound by Jane Wing is fun and fitting for the play.
The play uses some projections provided by Mike Jones and a puppet show provided by Keith Hill which adds extra depth and fun.
The 39 Steps is such a fun play and Bebington Dramatic Society have pulled the stops out to deliver a fast paced, witty piece that leaves the audience fully entertained.
Running at the Gladstone Theatre until Saturday 14th June with tickets available at https://gladstonetheatre.org.uk/events/the-39-steps/
Reviewer Damian Riverol
Reviewed: 11th June 2025
North West End UK Rating: