Currently playing at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre until October 4, 2025, The 39 Steps is a visually stunning, laugh-out-loud crime caper starring Ian Stenlake, Lisa McCune and the Umbilical Brothers, David Collins and Shane Dundas.
The 39 Steps is based on the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock-directed film of the same, which was loosely based on the 1915 novel by John Buchan. It was re-imagined for theatre in a four-person format first by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon in 1996 and later adapted by Patrick Barlow. It premiered in London’s West End in 2006, winning the Olivier Award for ‘Best Comedy’ the following year, and Broadway in New York City in 2008, taking home two Tony Awards.
The plot follows Richard Hannay (Stenlake) who gets caught up in a world of secrets and espionage after a chance meeting with mysterious femme fatale, Annabella Schmidt (McCune). Wrongly accused of murder, he soon flees the country and tries to undercover the mystery behind ‘The 39 Steps’.
Directed by the prolific Damien Ryan, the play, which follows the film beat for beat, only works thanks to the talents of its four stars, who take on 130 roles between them. Stenlake is the only actor who plays one role.
Having recently seen him as the dark wizard Saruman in The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale, here Stenlake embodies the handsome and affable leading man (with an attractive pencil moustache), adding his own cheeky humour where he can. Through his first-person narrative introduction, he quickly forms a bond with the audience as we follow his transform from the “everyman” to unlikely hero in the mere 100-minute runtime.
McCune is a comical delight. Her charisma shines as she moves from one eccentric character to the next – from seductive spy to a farmer’s flirtatious wife to the feisty and complicated Pamela. McCune’s vibrant enthusiasm is infectious and her obvious chemistry with Stenlake is perfection.
The injection of the Umbilical Brothers is a real treat. Known for their physicality along with vocal sound effects, they bring something truly unique and special to this production that others wouldn’t have. I’m unsure how much creative freedom the duo had, but their trademark mimicry, mime, pantomiming, slapstick, (albeit minimal) audience participation and affinity for accents is used throughout. For example, their skill to take an action so simple as opening a train window and turn it into a minutes long scene is incredible to watch unfold. As is their ability to occasionally play multiple characters at once through rapid-paced costume changes.
This show lends itself to ad libs, and there were a few. The beauty in these so-called “mistakes” is part of its charm and makes for repeat viewings (especially when the audience gets involved). No stone is left unturned with every opportunity for a visual, physical and/or audio gag milked in full.
As a nod to the Hitchcock’s noir film style and inspired by the Sin City films, Set and Costume Designer James Browne worked entirely in greyscale and played with perspective using sharp angles and abstracted geometric shapes to create something visually unique. In collaboration with Lighting Designer Matthew Marshall’s incredible shadow play and screen projections as well as the actors donning white face make-up and greyscale wigs, it gives the convincing effect of watching a black-and-white film live on stage.
Even in the same colour palette and with minimal props on stage, it never feels boring, and that’s a testament to the bold and imaginative creative team behind this production. The iconic train chase scenes are particularly stunning, especially in slow motion, which adds to the overall playfulness of the piece.
As a small negative, there were some story beats that confused me. I’m unsure if I missed something or details were omitted, but I thought it was worth mentioning. It didn’t affect my enjoyment though, so take that as you will.
Obviously, humour is subjective but those liking the comedy stylings of Monty Python will find The 39 Steps to be a hilarious night out. I wasn’t its target audience and yet I still enjoyed it immensely.
4/5 STARS
More information and tickets available at www.the39steps.com.au
// Photos by Cameron Grant
TINSEL and TAP SHOES 
It was a very good first half, but 85% of the 2nd half should’ve been cut – just horrendously bad, so bad I almost dozed off i was Sooooo 😴 bored – which was a great shame as the first half was good.
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