The 39 Steps: 150 characters played by four actors

Marcus Blumsom, Sarah Oemcke and Michael Lister (Photo by Rose Minnee)

Trains rumbling across the stage, air planes crash-landing into the audience, and fugitives falling off bridges – these are all what one experiences when making the fateful decision to go along to a local theatre.

‘The 39 Steps', 16th Ave Theatre's latest play has all the elements of a classic who-dun-it, with secret agents, an international spy ring, mysterious characters, subtle clues and suspense, coupled with madcap wild police chases and escapist entertainment.

Directed by Dylan Frewin, the play is packed with twists and turns and is a wonderful classic thriller with a cast of four actors playing over 150 characters.

The enterprising Richard Hannay, played by Michael Lister, defies death as he inadvertently wrecks havoc while being chased from a London music hall to Scotland's most remote highlands. The story, adapted for stage by Patrick Barlow, is set in the 1930's, and revolves mostly around this adventurer, after he decides to escape his boredom by visiting his own local theatre. There, he meets a mysterious German woman played by Gin Mabey, who also plays many other roles. After being stabbed, she utters with her last breath secrets about spies and the danger to the nation's security.

Richard Hannay (Michael Lister) tries to elude police (Photo by Rose Minnee)

Despite being the key suspect for her murder, Richard Hannay tries to elude police while seeking out the spies. This triggers off a dizzying chain of events that is spectacular to watch, as is the superb acting and timing of Marcus Blumsom and Sarah Oemcke who are both marvellous and quite genius in their numerous and often quick changing roles. Their fast-witted acting deservedly produces many of the best laughs. Hats are on and off, as they switch characters within a few seconds and with just a simple prop.

Marcus Blumsom (Photo by Rose Minnee)

The show has stunning ‘hi-tech' moments thanks to the lighting and sound technicians. It also goes for low tech laughs as suitcases and chairs are turned into cars, with sheep holding up the traffic in the Scottish lanes.

This detective story is also a romping romantic adventure, and has high sheer entertainment value. Brilliant acting, great fun, light and masterful; and the mystery created in the opening scene is maintained excellently through to the final end.

What are the '39 steps'? You will have to attend the play to find out. Tickets can be obtained via the 16th Ave Theatre website

Richard Hannay (Michael Lister) tries to elude police (Photo by Rose Minnee)

You may also like....

1 comment

Great nights entertainment.

Posted on 09-09-2018 09:23 | By Cynical Me

Went last night. Laughed all the way through. Very well played. Recommend to see.


Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.