39 Steps Essay

39 Steps has arrived to stage in Adelaide to invite audiences on the courageous journey and edge of seat thrill. A marvelous adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock's classic film in 1935, this thrilling play follows the adventure of character Richard Hannay, who finds himself involved in a murderous game of cat and mouse with the dangerous organisation called the 39 Steps. The story originated from the novel by John Buchan's adventurous story in 1915, director Jon Halpin decided to follow Hitchcock’s version. Although was only four actors in this production, it was a great success with the incredible cast, the wonderful costumes and exquisite set designs.

Nathan Page plays Richard Hannay who is enjoying his time at the theatre when gun shots ring.

The costumes have helped tell this exciting story by showing the time period this plat is set in. They also show what style the character has ie. Fancy, elegant or sexy. Hannay, an all-action hero who finds himself in a sticky situation, is a young detective who always appear to wear heavy formal jackets/cloaks and suits. This helps Hannay look the part of a detective trying to find the one who killed the damsel in destress. Glamorous Annabella, an exotic secret agent, wears a 1935 full length gown in a silky, formfitting fabric that makes her look sexy and elegant. This attire is used to help seduce Hannay into looking like a damsel in destress to get his help. All the exquisite costumes helped bring this production to the great success it has

It is all designed to show how determined it is to attempt to adapt a classic film to the stage. Although it would be an impossible task to create something just a fraction as good as Hitchcock’s brilliant works, Barlow’s script maintains the heart and mind of the original storyline. Barlow’s script accepts the wonder of the storyline and the uncertainty of the heroes’ actions with only three actors playing a multitude of citizens, villains, spies and