The 39 Steps

A RIP ROARING SUCCESS

The 39 Steps is an uproarious comedy that successfully wowed audiences in the West End and on Broadway with its inventive blend of murder, secret agents and beautiful women. This Olivier award winning theatrical adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s memorable1935 film was performed in Cobham Village Hall by Cobham Players who gained a special license for three performances on Friday 6^th, Saturday 7^th and Sunday 8^th May 2011.

Patrick Barlow’s stage adaptation of the Hitchcock’s film is fast paced, free flowing and full of comic delight; a true pastiche of the 1930’s ‘derring do’ adventure. It is a celebration of the inventive nature of live performance that relies on a few props and the imagination of the audience rather big technology.

Performed by an ensemble cast of eight, the dashing hero, Richard Hannay, was played Brian Hulme while his blonde love interest, Pamela, was played by Nicky Barnes. Other members of the multi role playing and accented cast included three of Cobham Players’ awarding winning actresses, Millie Hart, Samantha Myers and Mary Taylor as well as Lorraine Mears, Tony Milburn and Harry Sadler.

Director of the show Rodney Pearson said, “We were very excited when we gained special permission to put on The 39 Steps as it is rare for a West End show to allow amateur companies to put on a production that is still running in London. This sort of permission is not granted often so we were absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity. We have retained the comic style of the West End production but introduced our own spin on presenting it to a local audience”