Review: North by Northwest at HOME is ‘fun, entertaining and a downright goofy show’

The year is 1959.

Roger Thornhill is going about his day, getting ready to take his mother to the theatre, when he is met with mysterious people, mysterious places and an even more mysterious woman.

This show is not to be missed.

North by Northwest is based on the classic Alfred Hitchcock film. I was completely new to his work, but having seen a couple of his films as plays recently, I have really grown to appreciate how good everything he does is.

The last two shows have been incredible, and this one is no different.

North by Northwest at HOME

The play follows Roger Thornhill, played by Ewan Wardrop, as he gets mistaken for another man. Chaos ensues, and Roger must now help the CIA bring down the bad guys.

Emma Rice directed the show, and of course, she did a spectacular job.

It is paced well and does not feel rushed or dragged out.

It has just enough time for the story to digest, and the intermission is placed in a perfect spot for the audience to go and grab a drink.

Rice added moments of audience participation, and I love getting involved, and so did everyone else.

Those moments added something a little extra, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Rice should be very proud of what she has achieved, as this was an outstanding performance by all.

A fascinating set design

The set is made up of four revolving doors, which consist of glass and alcohol bottles.

On the back wall, the costumes for the show hang with suitcases below.

It is an interesting set-up, and it does bring the style of 1959 New York to Manchester.

Suitcases are used throughout the show and help the audience understand where the current scene is taking place and who is who.

Rob Howell did a wonderful job of finding practicality within the design but still staying true to the time.

The lighting melds well with the production and help continue the story when there is nothing on stage.

It is timed perfectly with the movements of the actors and the music.

With it being so beautifully executed, it does not take away from the show and what is going on, it rather pulls you in and is harder to not focus.

“Malcolm Rippeth is the master behind the lights”

Malcolm Rippeth is the master behind the lights and should be praised for his excellent timing, as should Simon Baker who timed the sounds of light switches and elevator dings just at the right moment.

They both go hand in hand and together, built something very visual despite the stage being empty.

Going off from my previous acknowledgements, the movements of the actors is phenomenal.

So well timed and brilliantly put together. Instead of just moving to the left, they danced to the left and it was a very fun and different way of changing scene or the set.

The audience were giggling along as it was goofy and wacky.

Etta Murfitt did an excellent job at adding that funny bone to the show.

The cast is small but all so perfect, but I do have a highlight.

Katy Owen who plays The Professor, among other people. Her accents for all her characters are all different and they all are very well done.

Her humour is well timed and every joke lands. She commands the stage with her presence and her storytelling.

She was perfect.

North by Northwest is a fun, entertaining and downright goofy show that brings joy to the whole audience.

Tickets for North By Northwest at HOME

It is playing at HOME Manchester until the 10th of May and you can get your tickets by clicking here