REVIEW: THE 39 STEPS - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED…

What happens when you combine a 1930’s noir-esque murder mystery and comedy elements inspired by absurdist legends the likes of Monty Python and The Naked Gun series? You get The 39 Steps - an often hilarious, high energy romp with four highly skilled actors playing over 100 roles. While this show demonstrates some of the best physical comedy seen on stage, the play falls a bit flat on the laughs it deserves due to a sense of alienation from the range of pop culture references throughout and repetitive gags that leaves the audience amused but bewildered by the end.

Director Rob Ciccotelli has a great love of his show which is evident in the carefully selected quartet of actors, several making their Theatre Ancaster debuts, to play the numerous roles throughout. The four cast members Vincenzo Joel (Clown), Joseph Cochrane (Richard Hannay), Adelaide Bliss (Pamela, Annabella and Margaret) and Antoinette Laleon (Clown) are all equal parts delightful, energetic and absolutely willing to give themselves over to the absurdity of their roles. The show is so well-rehearsed and it is even more impressive watching the Clowns in particular don several, literal hats as they manically swap characters. There’s even some fourth-wall breaking additions of actors Paul Byrne and Kailey Cutillo as a Scottish couple providing box seat commentary on the show (additionally a clever distraction during scene changes).

Ciccotelli also demonstrates his vast knowledge of pop culture references from Braveheart to Les Miserables to Star Wars and how to implement them effectively within the show. The efforts here should not go underappreciated as most of them are very clever and add to the show’s absurdist nature. This is especially true in the chase scenes, which are a highlight of the production, with increasingly ridiculous physical comedy, use of props and screen projections and an incredible backstage crew ensuring the chaos works effectively with hilarious results.

The issue here is that, unfortunately, several of these references weren’t recognized by the audience and there were frequent mumblings throughout the show questioning what was going on or why these elements were necessary. This resulted in a small but mighty handful of audience members expressing more audible laughs and applause to show their appreciation and enthusiasm. It may also be that the audience was not aware of the show’s true nature of being a parody of classic Hitchcockian noir style murder mysteries and were expecting something else. Hard to say. The show’s second act also loses some of its steam as the cast continues the repetitive gags that feel unnecessarily drawn out, becoming predictable and tedious as the show reaches its conclusion.

Theatre Ancaster’s The 39 Steps is a testament of physical comedy, theatre magic and clever staging techniques. The production deserves an audience that will laugh and applaud their efforts throughout, armed with the knowledge that this show is a ridiculous and often bewildering array of references and homages to decades worth of pop culture. Expect the unexpected and enjoy the absurdity of this production. It is well worth seeing for the caliber of talent on stage alone.

 Vincenzo Joel (top left), Joseph Cochrane (top right), Adelaide Bliss (bottom left) and Antoinette Laleon (bottom right)  Photo credit: Gareth Skipp

Joseph Cochrane and Adelaide Bliss

Photo credit: Gareth Skipp