THE 39 STEPS The State Theatre Company of South Australia Dunstan Playhouse Until 12 Oct 2019 Review by Fran Edwards Alfred Hitchcock is not renown for comedies, although he did manage some nice comic moments amongst the darkness of his thrillers. In the hands of Patrick Barlow the concept of Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon take this interesting script, written for a movie, and turn it into a laugh fest really works. Original director Jon Hopkin, with his tight direction, made this a production not to be missed and associate director Rory McMahon has preserved the integrity. With the same cast as the 2016 production we so enjoyed, this play rockets along from one gag to another. Every movement of the haphazard set, every costume change (and there are dozens – all lighting fast) and every facial expression is designed for laughter. The lighting, designed by Gavin Norris helps the comedy and the sound composed by Stuart Day is reminiscent of 30’s movies. As the accidental hero: Richard Hannay, Nathan Page is just right (and very funny) and Anna Steen plays the glamorous blondes superbly, but the two who make your head spin are Charles Mayer and Tim Overton. I lost count of how many roles they play with a myriad of accents and so many hats! If you need a pick-me-up this is just what the doctor ordered. Think of it as a cross between silent movies, comedy theatre and slap stick. Don’t miss it!