The 39 Steps - Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and from the movie by Alfred Hitchcock
Read-Through - Sunday 6 April, 2.30 At The Ice Factory
Auditions - Wednesday 9 April, 7.30 and Sunday 13 April, 2.30
Richard Hannay leads a boring life. So boring, in fact, that he resorts to a trip to the theatre! An event which turns his world upside down as he becomes embroiled in the world of subterfuge, spies, the Scottish Highlands and…National Security.
Hannay’s conscience (and dashing good looks) compels him to head north - far north to the Scottish wilderness where he dodges evil villains and corrupt officials with equal aplomb and huge slices of luck, counting a flock of sheep among his rescuers.
Will he succeed in protecting national security, find romance and live happily ever after, or be locked up forever and face a life of ignominy as a murderer?
To find out, we must climb…the 39 Steps!
Performance dates: 17th to 19th July, inc. matinee on 19th
Tech/Dress rehearsals: 15th/16th July
Cast
Richard Hannay: 40(ish) Gentleman, but not stuffy. Mildly playboy-esque with a cheeky smile and a taste for fun and the good life (no, not the sitcom). Loyal, dependable chap, good sense of humour and upbeat positive outlook. Strong moral attitude and national pride. The only actor to play the same character throughout. Well spoken; a bit of an upper-class English accent without sounding too posh. Our hero. Sort of.
Annabella/Margaret/Pamela: 30s/40s (Maybe even 50s with a bit of artistic licence and willing suspension of disbelief):
Annabella = Spy with comic foreign accent but commanding presence and personality. Likes haddock. Dies immediately.
Margaret = Innocent Scottish crofter’s wife, longs for an exciting life in the city. Falls for Hannay and helps him escape. We like her.
Pamela = Main female character. Stunning love interest for Hannay, whom she despises yet inadvertently helps, then inevitably falls for, exuding reluctant comedy along the way. Reluctant heroine. Sort of. We like her in the end, anyway.
Clown 1: Any age. Plays multiple parts with expert comic timing, switching hat/voice/coat/direction etc in rapid succession. Plays both evil and benevolent characters, with the odd idiot thrown in for good measure. Ideally having the dexterity for physical comedy. Needs to form a double act partnership with:
Clown 2: Exactly the same as Clown 1. Well, not exactly the same, but you know what I mean. Identical twins not required. Although now I think of it, that’s a great idea. Ignore what I just said: auditions from identical twins are welcomed. But not essential.