22nd May 2018
I have to admit straight off that my heart sank a little when I saw the cast list of 30 people in the programme for this! How would I keep track of so many characters? From this you will know that I have not seen Patrick Barlow's adaptation of The 39 Steps before! I was in for a real treat! Of course not all the actors mentioned were able to make the show and so the characters are played by just four actors. Jake Wilson Craw plays the debonair Richard Hannay, and Roger Liddle, Richard Gardner and Anna Dobson - People's Theatre stalwarts - play everyone else!
From the moment the spotlight comes on in the wrong spot you know that you are going to be well entertained. The scenery changes, the arch looks towards the audience and to the absent stagehands, the ludicrous wigs, and even worse accents, will have you laughing till your sides hurt. The timing throughout is perfection, and the comedy rolls on - barely giving you time to recover from one chuckle before the next guffaw is upon you!
This is a tale of espionage, murder and betrayal. It is a tale of derring-do - with a difference. And it is The People's Theatre at their very best. One of the funniest shows I have seen so far this year and yet another example of the versatility of the team at the People's. A breath of light-hearted fresh air, pure escapism and great entertainment.
It plays until Saturday and you'd be advised to book in advance to be sure of a seat!
Denise Sparrowhawk
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