(Brighton &) Hove Grown 2025
The 39 Steps- Brighton Open Air Theatre
Cue Fanfare
Genre: Adaptation, Comedic, Comedy, Drama, Family, Farce, Theatre
Venue: Brighton Open Air Theatre
Festival: (Brighton &) Hove Grown, Brighton Festival, Brighton Fringe
Low Down
A superb ensemble company brings a classic spy thriller to the stage with Outstanding performances.
Review
Another Sure Fire Hit from “Cue Fanfare” at Brighton’s open-air theatre -and this one ticks all the boxes!
Based on the 1935 British spy thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll– It is loosely based on the 1915 novel The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan. It concerns a Canadian civilian in London, Richard Hannay, who becomes caught up in preventing an organisation of spies called “The 39 Steps” from stealing British military secrets. Mistakenly accused of the murder of a counter-espionage agent, Hannay goes on the run to Scotland and becomes tangled up with an attractive woman, Pamela, while hoping to stop the spy ring and clear his name.
But what is incredible is that a classic thriller has been cleverly transformed into a rip-roaring farce by Patrick Barlow and layer upon layer of comedy by director and producer Patric Kearns. And even more remarkable is the cast consists of merely four actors. Well- five -if you count “Police Dog- Bailie” -but I won’t spoil the surprise of that character!
Leading the cast in the pivotal role of Richard Hannay is Jamie Kenna -who returns following his brilliant portrayal in last year’s “Brief Encounter”! Kenna effortlessly balances comedy and high drama -whilst being the lynch pin of the whole show.
Likewise- Claire Marlowe miraculously plays the three main female protagonists -with such consummate characterisation that one is completely lulled into believing we are watching four different actresses at work. Each character is so clearly defined – one never questions the triple casting. Both she and Jamie Kenna are a fine couple and the faultless delivery of both actors’ shines through the production.
BUT- whilst we have two consummate actors in the four lead roles – all subsidiary roles- from policemen to milkmen -from Scottish Hotel owners to theatre Vaudeville acts and from Salesmen to Crofters are covered by two brilliant performers-simply billed as “The Clowns”. In the original production-these roles were covered by two male actors-but the bold stroke of casting Jessica Warbeck and Harry Hart adds even more absurdity and farcical elements to the anarchic staging. The pair effortlessly switch from character to character in nano seconds -sometimes with just the changing of a hat or coat. From their first appearance as a Laurel and Hardy style memory act at the London Palladium -they establish the concept of multiple role-playing and the evening fairly zips along due to their vitality and faultless high energy. All their characters are portrayed with broad brush strokes- a variety of dialects and accents and minimal costume changes. Harry Hart exudes comedy timing from every pore and along with his fellow clown -effortlessly play male and female roles to perfection.
And in this production-the backstage crew get their chance to shine at every step of the way -with costume changes often taking place in the background. Full marks to Josh Tomley and Catie and Fleur Shakespeare Kearns-a fine team-even performing slow motion scene changes -the three of them are akin to a Greek chorus. Josh Tomley gives a fine cameo as star struck assistant stage manager.
Director -Patric Kearns has directed the piece meticulously- no bit of stage business isn’t honed and “worked” within an inch of its life. If one can remember the original film – you won’t be surprised to learn that every plot element has been included- even the chase along the fourth bridge-climbing through windows -car and train journeys- an aeroplane chase and a hysterical hotel sequence. Every actor and backstage member of crew gets their chance to shine -and this is truly an ensemble tour de force-with exquisite timing and meticulous detail. All miming and stage business has been studied to the ’enth degree.
As usual- the technical support is of the highest standard -with fine attention to detail for costume, props and sound effects.
Yes- this show is more akin to farce and pantomime rather than classic thriller- but I’m sure the packed house of all ages wouldn’t complain -and on one of the warmest nights of the year – this is the perfect summer night out at BOAT.
Catch this gem whilst you can. With every production by this company breaking new ground-one eagerly awaits the next offering.
