Theatre Review - The 39 Steps

The 39 Steps

Novel by John Buchan

From the film by Alfred Hitchcock

Concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon

Director Damien Ryan

Photo credit Cameron Grant

Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre until August 30

Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP, MAICD

What is, or are The 39 Steps and what is the ultimate outcome? The 1935 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock is an enthralling British spy thriller that has you on edge throughout. Richard Hannay, a Canadian living in London, inadvertently becomes involved with spies that are trying to steal British military secrets. 

In a London music hall, while watching Mr. Memory, Hannay meets a mysterious woman who ends up dead in his apartment. Accused of her murder, he flees to Scotland where the plot thickens even more after he meets Pamela on the train. They attend a political rally where Hannay is compelled to give a spontaneous, inspiring, impassioned speech. Pamela gives Hannay up to the police and the two are arrested.

The 2025 touring stage production of The 39 Steps has opened at the Sydney Opera House, and a big difference between it and the film is that in this latest iteration, there are laughs, with heavy influences from Monty Python and The Goons, and touches of Aunty Jack. 

As Richard Hannay, Ian Stenlake is essentially John Cleese, and Lisa McCune changes from the mystery woman to Pamela, the feisty heroine. The Umbilical Brothers, (David Collins and Shane Dundas) bring their physical comedy, and rapidly change characters, one of which is like Eric Idle doing Mrs Doubtfire, and other entities channel Spike Milligan. The four actors play 130 roles, almost all of which are performed by Collins and Dundas who do know how to play farce. Their female roles are purely Monty Python. 

In a nod to the movie, James Browne’s sets and costumes are black. white and shades of grey, and the angularity of the sets enhances, elevates and magnifies the shadowy atmosphere.

As with all good suspense thrillers, there are plenty of musical stings, and sometimes they intentionally drown out the dialogue, creating communication confusion.

On the opening night, there were some slow bits in the first act but it ramped up as the intermission approached, and maintained the momentum with faster pacing in Act Two.

This stage production of The 39 Steps is different and fun, combining suspense with chuckles. If you don’t catch it in Sydney, it will be playing in Newcastle, Melbourne and Brisbane.