Thirty-Nine Steps at Bolton Octagon IS A JOY TO SEE

Review by Eileen Earnshaw

The production of. The Thirty-Nine Steps by the Bolton Octagon, directed by Ryan Mc Bride, written by Patrick Barlow, designed by Libby Todd and produced by Alice Bezant was a joy to see.

This piece of theatre with its decade’s long history from John Buchan’s 1915 novel, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, to its transformation into farce. has, along its journey, brought the best part of each change of the literary genre with it. There is the initial undercurrent of suspense and tension. The seemingly unconscious slapstick interventions at every opportunity, the quick changes requiring razor sharp timing and breathtaking physicality from the cast, the attention to detail, one being the Tommy Cooper like hat changing routine and another the wonderful characterising accents during the Scottish section of the play. No aspect of theatrical comedy is missed. 

The set is an illusion of simplicity consisting of one piece of furniture that constantly evolves, an armchair and a backdrop of linen fold panelling disguising hidden doors and sliding portals allowing the actors movement around the stage, changes of character and costume. A bed is produced at one point and hilarious puppets piloting two airplanes and policemen seemingly chasing our hero.

The story is simple. Our protagonist visits the theatre. On the bill at the theatre is a memory man who knows the secret of the thirty- nine steps, a secret that would be detrimental to our country in foreign hands. An unsuccessful attempt to kidnap the memory man and get the formula out of the country is seen by the protagonist. He is therefore chased all over the place by the would-be kidnappers. (The memory man’s routine at the theatre, incidentally, is a fabulous bit of theatre flummery, lovely to watch.)

All characters are played by four cast members. Mateo Oxley plays Richard Hanney, a wonderful performance right down to the 1920’s pencil moustache and affected attitude of the 1020’s man about town. Mei Mei Mcleod plays Anabella, Pamela and Margaret. Charlotte Bloomsbury, off- stage swing, (puppeteer.) Daniella Bird and Phil Yarrow supporting.

This is a joy to see, an uplifting and entertaining production worthy of re-visiting particularly at this comfortable and welcoming theatre.

Disablement facilities are good. The Octagon is easy to visit, plenty of parking, lifts to each floor and helpful staff. There is a restaurant on the ground floor and a bar on the first floor with reasonable prices.

On until Saturday 10 May

Visit: https://octagonbolton.co.uk/events/39-steps#dates-and-times

Octagon Theatre Howell Croft South, Bolton BL1 1SB