Currently on at Qpac,“The 39 Steps” is originally a book written in 1915. A spy novel about a man living in London, who becomes entangled in murder and espionage. In 1935 it became a film by Alfred Hitchcock, and he was given 3 love interests. In 1996 when it was adapted for theatre it became a four -hander and this version by Patrick Barlow appeared in 2005.
Using a Film Noir stylized set characterized by a pessimistic tone, dark urban settings, stark lighting with high-contrast shadows that alone made the play impressive. Lighting and sound effects were spot on as were the scene changes and use of a cinematic backdrop. The furniture was painted in muted grey tones and white light used.
From apartments to bedrooms to trains to hotel rooms to sidewalks, the ever-changing sets were flawless. And how the audience enjoyed it – laughing, chuckling, clapping and totally engaged. All ages and a full house for opening night – a well-deserved standing ovation at the finish.
The actors had to play 130 characters between them, a whirlwind of costume and scene changes. From cops and robbers to innkeeper and bellhop, this play has it all.
The Umbilical Bros are two very talented and diverse actors. It feels wrong to separate them but such comedic powerhouses – facial expressions, voices, mimics, nuances that just kept the pace frenetic and enjoyable.
David Collins has a long list of acting credits, and he was more than capable of pulling off the multiple roles and physical chases that just kept coming – such a comical face and the voices, with trademark curly hair adding to the characterisation of mad cap farce reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin.
Shane Dundas is also a fantastic comedic actor well suited to the physical, playing his multiply roles of serious (in a comedic way) characters that meant playing madams and spy. Wearing a multitude, yes, many, hats, and a faint essence of John Cleese does come to mind.
Lisa McCune commanded the stage and her hero’s attention, from her femme fatale to a” butter couldn’t melt in her mouth” character she was mesmerizing. Her opening costume was reminiscent of the Golden days of Hollywood – only in a silver-coloured way. So good to see her stretch her wings and showcase how talented she is.
Ahh our hero – Richard, played by Ian Stenlake. Was he naïve, was he hiding something or heck does the hero get the girl in the end. Wow to be running that much and not get too breathless to speak, just fantastic.
All in all, a show not to be missed – Kudos to the director Damien Ryan and his team. This is a very clever and flawless performance.
To book tickets to The 39 Steps, please visit https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2025/the-39-steps.
Photographer: Cameron Grant
