The 39 Steps is a much-loved tale. Since the original novel by John Buchan was published in 1915, there have been four feature length adaptations, countless radio re-tellings, a television prequel and even a video game based on the story. The theatrical reworking has played in countries across the world, including an impressive nine year residency in London’s West End. This touring production, directed by Ryan McBryde, has recently opened at Salisbury Playhouse and will also visit Colchester and Bolton this Spring.

Richard Hannay (Mateo Oxley) is an unsuspecting bystander when gunshots are fired at the theatre one evening. He ends up offering refuge to the beautiful Annabella Schmidt (Mei Mei MacLeod), who tells him that she has uncovered a spy network that could prove dangerous to the security of the nation. However, while hiding in Hannay’s apartment, Schmidt is stabbed to death, causing Hannay to flee the scene so as not to be framed for her murder. The plot becomes steadily sillier throughout the show, with our protagonist running from police up the length of the British Isles, and meeting a whole host of comical characters along the way.

The cast of four are undeniably exceptionally talented and all work incredibly hard throughout the two-hour production. Oxley and MacLeod are joined by Danielle Bird and Phil Yarrow as Clown 1 and Clown 2 respectively, who excel at multi rolling with snappy costume changes and an extraordinary array of accents! Patrick Barlow’s script pokes fun at the obvious challenges faced by the Clowns during their frantic performance, pushing the piece into the realms of farce, which is very much enjoyed by the audience. Mateo Oxley gives a compelling portrayal of Richard Hannay, playing the part with humour and charm. Opposite him, Mei Mei MacLeod delivers a fantastic performance as Femme Fatale Annabella Schmidt, then downtrodden Scottish wife Margaret and finally the righteously indignant Pamela.

Designer Libby Todd has created a set that offers many hidden entrances and exits, helpfully advancing the farcical nature of the play, while being a simple enough backdrop to allude the many locations visited in during Hannay’s journey. Additions of simple costume pieces denote each of the smaller characters clearly and often add to the humour with an onstage quick change or pointed joke. The lighting design by Simisola Majekodunmi is in keeping with the style of the piece, naturalistic but with a few fun effects and colours for texture and effect, and Tom Marshall has added a few comical touches as sound designer, such as a phone that continues to ring when it is answered, and an ongoing joke about unseen participants in the audience having to repeat themselves.

The Playhouse’s production of The 39 Steps is a gentle and enjoyable rehash of the much loved show, which will no doubt please fans of the classic tale and amuse audiences as it continues on its tour.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Sarah Brown

The 39 Steps plays at Salisbury Playhouse until 8 March before visiting Colchester and Bolton, with further info here.