Theatre Ancaster’s The 39 Steps is a hilarious Hitchcock whodunit
- Michael Kras
- 05 Sep 2024
In 1935, legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock debuted his iconic spy thriller The 39 Steps. 60 years later, British playwright Patrick Barlow turned the classic story into a side-splitting farce which eventually became one of the longest running plays in the history of London’s West End.
Now, Theatre Ancaster is taking their crack at this hilarious whodunit in a mainstage production running at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre (375 Wilson St E) from September 13th to 22nd.
According to director Rob Ciccotelli, the exploratory rehearsal process with his talented cast has been as uproarious as the material itself.
“We’re constantly coming up with new and creative ideas to bring out the best in this production and consequently we’re cracking each other up! We’ve had to take more than a few breaks because of fits of laughter,” he says.
“I’m proud to say that we’re not only up to the task of performing this classic comedy with great energy and inventiveness, we’ve come up with some new hilarious surprises that even the most seasoned theatre-goer will love and appreciate.”
One of the most fun elements of The 39 Steps as a satirical play is that it takes the source material’s hefty list of over 50 characters and puts it all into the hands of four actors, three of whom play numerous roles in the show and, sometimes, multiple at once!
The result preserves the engaging mystery of the Hitchcock classic while elevating it with nonstop comedy as protagonist Richard Hannay crosses paths with a woman claiming to be a spy. When she is mysteriously murdered, Richard becomes the focus of a nationwide manhunt, and mayhem ensues.
The 39 Steps has all the makings of a frenetic and fun night at the theatre, which is something Ciccotelli thinks will make the production a hit with Hamilton audiences.
“I think, because of the times we live in, people are eager to join others in communal fun, laughter, and delight. It’s comfort food for the funny bone, the heart, and the soul.”
Theatre Ancaster’s The 39 Steps runs September 13th to 22nd. See more and get tickets here.
Photos courtesy of Theatre Ancaster
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