This laugh-out-loud production brings both a fast-paced thriller and comedy to life at Norwich Puppet Theatre!
The 39 Steps is a play written by Patrick Barlow, adapted from the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock. The show follows a gentlemen who meets a spy and becomes involved in a nationwide manhunt. All he knows is that ‘The 39 Steps’ organisation is pursuing him and he must survive. The production involves only four actors, though they play around 130 characters alongside clever staging. The Drama Mavericks are an inclusive arts comedy based in Norfolk, primarily Norwich. They aim to create a supportive network for individuals to build on their personal interests and develop as actors. Though The 39 Steps went on a UK tour recently, I’ve never seen this play or a show by the Drama Mavericks: both brilliant reasons to watch this new production.
Ben Nash, with assistant director Wendi Grantham, directs this production, having a clear understanding of the material and what works well for the audience. The entire show is well directed, with lots of life and energy consistently appearing on the stage. The set itself allows for props to be bought in and out: making each scene feel different within the play space. In addition, I thoroughly enjoy the curtains at the front of the stage: giving a classic feel whilst also being flexible for scene changes. Katie Howell, Theo MacGregor and Danny Walden support the production with lighting, sounds and technical aspects. Each element was utilised really successfully: embracing the comedy thriller.
As previously mentioned, the production utilises only four actors in varying roles. These four actors are Jez Pike, Ray Tempesta, Sebastian Van Der Merwe and Ellie Overvoorde. Firstly, all four of these actors work effortlessly together, navigating through the story perfectly. Each one of them was able to embrace their character, whether they stayed as one role for the entire show or mixed between different roles consistently. The ensemble consisted of Ed Bond, Kelly Shannon and Fiona Bennett. They looked to be having fun mixing through backstage crew and supporting roles. I especially enjoyed their bird costumes and the dancing girl outfits. Sebastian Van Der Merwe plays Richard Hannay. With being the principal role, he was nearly always on stage which really gave little down time. Van Der Merwe’s performance was strong, embodying the character. Similarly he worked well alongside the cast in all scenes.
Elle Overvoorde plays Annabella, Margaret and Pamela. Whilst watching Overvoorde as Annabella, it took me back to her role in Yippee Ki Yay: where she gave the stand out performance in that show. Again in this production, Overvoorde continues to prove that she is a versatile actor, changing accents in the different roles she is in. Ray Tempesta and Jez Pike play an ensemble of characters throughout the show, varying from evil villains to milkman to police officers. Their roles must be extremely challenging, though both Pike and Tempesta take this challenge in their stride: providing a unique style for each character they portray. They bring the most comedy to the show and had the audience laughing many times, especially with both their facial expressions and exaggerated acting: lending itself perfectly to comedic moments.
The 39 Steps runs until the 2nd May. Make sure you get down to the Puppet Theatre before you miss this production!
Tickets for this performance were provided complimentary. Many thanks to Ben Nash and Drama Mavericks for the tickets and we hope the rest of your run goes well!
Leave a Reply