Slapstick comedy, a clandestine spy murder plot, and dozens of characters – portrayed by just four cast members – are coming together for a unique local play at the Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre later this month.
The Algoma Repertory Theatre is putting on performances of The 39 Steps from May 28–31.
The story follows a man who meets a woman that says she’s a spy. After she gets murdered, a mysterious organization called The 39 Steps chases down the man.
“She's assassinated in his apartment, and he carries on her spy mission,” said director Megan Wigmore.
“He pursues her mission, goes to Scotland, tries to track down the right people, and is running from the police because he's now suspected for her murder.”
The story was first a 1915 novel, then a 1935 Alfred Hitchcock movie, and now a play adapted by Patrick Barlow.
Although the Hitchcock film is more of a “spy thriller,” Wigmore said the play adaptation maintains its spy thriller roots while also being more of a comedy, with “lots of laughs to be had” as its cast of four take on numerous character roles to carry the spy plot forward.
“The script’s written as a comedy, and it's very funny,” she said. “There are many, many characters that each of the actors plays.”
With “airplane, Monty Python, slapstick, kooky” style comedy, Wigmore also said the play explores themes that are relevant today.
“There's unrest in the world at the time that this play is happening. It’s set in 1935, so just leading up to the Second World War, and there's a lot of lightness in it, as well,” she said.
“At a time where there's some turmoil in our world, it's nice to see some levity and to get out and laugh a little bit, which we're hoping to give to our audience.”
Formed in 2019, the Algoma Repertory Theatre typically puts on three shows per year.
Those interested in attending The 39 Steps have the option of going for dinner and the show at the Quattro Hotel, or attending just the show. Tickets are available here.