The 39 Steps

Pitlochry Festival Theatre 16th July 2025

A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production by arrangement with Fiery Angel Limited, adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan from the movie by Alfred Hitchcock

There are many adaptions of John Buchan’s 1915 Novel, starting with Alfred Hitchcock’s classic movie of 1935, the 1959 movie with my pin up, Kenneth Moore, the 1978 starring Robert Powell and shortly a Netflix series with Benedict Cumberbatch. The play version opened at the Tricycle Theatre in 2006 and subsequently transferred to the Criterion Theatre in the West End, where it ran for nine years. So, a classic spy thriller featuring Richard Hannay, an ordinary man entangled in a plot to undermine the war effort, forcing him to flee across Scotland pursued by the police and a criminal shadowy organisation has become a reliable crowd pleaser.  This was the case with a full house of matinee oldies, who can’t get enough of this story, many making the annual journey from Edinburgh. This tried and true adaptation is a parody of the original story and descends into farce. As we settled down in the beautifully refurbished main house, the excitement was rising. We were not disappointed. Performed by a cast of four, with a revolving centre stage the cast managed to create many, many characters. This involved the revolve turning to reveal different locations, the manic bringing on of props, tight lighting cues and costumes changes. Although the character of Richard Hannay remained the same, other parts were played by Clown 1 and Clown 2, and the female leads were played by the same actor. They didn’t miss a trick.  Hannay was admirably played by Chris Alexander Service, a good-looking Englishman, and Blythe Jandoo took on the female characters. The body of the quick changes were taken on by the Clowns, played by Chris Coxon and Stephanie Cremona. On top of performing in the other productions this must have been a real challenge. Praise to Chris Coxon on his stacking chairs sequence.  They managed to get through, but occasionally the vocals got louder and louder. I suspect this will tone down as they get used to the production. A wonderful opportunity for actors to practise their stagecraft and skills. And well as moving the revolve around.  I must confess I am not a fan of farce but recognise it is the hardest challenge an actor can face. With the sure directorial hand of Ben Occhipinti, they pulled it off.  No doubt it will fill the seats and ensures that the fabulous theatre can show it can do anything thrown at it.