The 39 Steps At Theatre By the Lake, Keswick Review

Reviewed by Jo Hardy

This British spy thriller, originally a novel by John Buchan, has been adapted many times over the years but this version will have you laughing your head off.  It’s hard to believe that what was a tense thriller could be turned into such a hilarious farce but it all worked brilliantly.  This is a joint production with Theatre by the Lake and Stephen Joseph Theatre.

The show opens with upper crust Richard Hannay in his London flat feeling very bored and just for something to do decides to go to the theatre, from that innocent enough decision his life becomes anything but boring as he becomes accused of murder, has to go on the run, ends up in Scotland and gets involved in espionage. It all sounds so serious but it was hysterically funny.

Throughout the show they transformed ordinary looking household items into props.  The car they made out of trunks, chairs and a fire guard reminded me of something children would make when playing but the actors brought it to life beautifully.  The flying Scotsman was just some trunks and window frames but that was enough.  The actors were all the extras that were needed to show us the frantic chase on the train as the police tried to catch Hannay. I lost count of all the character changes the “clowns” did in this scene and Hannay escaping along the Forth Bridge was only a ladder but Dave Hearn’s (Hannay) acrobatics were breath taking.   Hannay ends his journey in Scotland looking for the “big hoose” and the Scottish couple he meets in the guest house played by the “clowns” were the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time.

Staged in the round with a little bit of audience interaction, this show is packed full of fun and laughter.  The
basic story is still there but there’s so much more. Dave Hearn is the only actor who plays one part throughout.  He was fantastic, imagine an upper class Basil Faulty.  Olivia Onyehara played the three female parts and provided a little love interest.  Lucy Keirl and Niall Ransome had the title of clowns in the cast list but they were so much more than that, they were running around everywhere playing so many different characters and so very funny in every way.  When all the cast came to take there final bow I was surprised to see only four people.  They had created so much movement and energy I had forgotten there were only four cast members.

So if your feeling bored a night at the theatre could be the perfect antidote, hopefully it won’t have the same outcome as it did for Richard Hannay, you’ll just be wonderfully entertained.

The 39 Steps is showing at Keswick Theatre By The Lake from the 3rd of August until the 2nd of September with shows at 7:30 and some matinees at 2 pm. The show is suitable for ages 12 and up. It lasts two hours 15 minutes with an interval. ticket prices start at £10.

Rating: It’s another 5/5 rating for Theatre by the Lake.

For more information or to book tickets please visit The 39 Steps – Theatre by the Lake