Review: The 39 Steps at Bolton Octagon Theatre is ‘wonderful, whacky and wildly imaginative’

The 39 Steps is a wacky and interesting show that brings an Alfred Hitchcock classic to life.

For anyone who has not seen the film, the show follows Richard Hannay, a 37-year-old bachelor who stumbles upon a mystery that is even bigger than he anticipated.

As you walk in, there is an armchair and a big lamp in the middle of the stage. It seems minimal, but it brings something to the atmosphere.

The 39th Steps at Bolton Octagon Theatre

The set is constantly changing, and it is phenomenal how quickly the backstage staff can create wildly imaginative scenes, full of surprises.

There are many people to commend for this work. Tim Reed, Daniel Gent & Evie Watson made and built the set, and they are to be applauded for how amazingly it all fit perfectly into Bolton’s Octagon theatre.

Scott Wayland made some additional props that were used throughout the show.

The props are all used in a multitude of ways, and as I said about the sets, I am always surprised by what they will do next. My favourite prop was the sheep. You will have to go and watch it to find out what I mean.

The outfits bring in the time period of the late 30’s. They transport you and bring the magic and charm of the 30’s to Bolton.

There are a lot of costumes as there are so many different characters. The people to praise for this are: Teri Buxton who is the costume supervisor. Costume assistants, Cathie Powell-Davies & Catherine Cottenden, and Emily Barratt, who is the deputy costume supervisor.

Another brilliant thing I noticed, is how incredibly fast they changed costumes.

At moments, I was sat there in awe as I tried to comprehend how they did it. It was pure magic.

Simisola Majekodumni as lighting designer

Simisola Majekodumni is the lighting designer, and I have to mention it and give credit because the lighting added to the show, in so many ways.

My favourite part is when there is the headlight of a train that is needed, but instead of a train on stage, it is just one huge spotlight with the sound of a train’s hoot. The same as everything else in this show, it is very creative.

Tom Marshall is to be appreciated for his work on the sound.

Not a single moment was missed and that is impressive. The sound was not off in any way and even in the moments that were unplanned, the sound was spot on.

The pace of the show is perfect. The source material lends a great story and great characters.

The story is engaging and amusing which kept the audience absorbed in the show.

There are many moments of applause and laughter that the actors have to wait for the audience to calm down before continuing. Ryan McBryde has done an astonishing job with this show.

The actors, the music, the lighting. All perfect.

Mateo Oxley as Richard Hannay

Mateo Oxley plays our protagonist, Richard Hannay, and he drives the show and keeps it moving forward. He’s funny and witty and is perfect. Mei Mei Macleod plays the love interests and each one of them are different and the way they feel about Richard.

Her Glaswegian accent was spot on. And lastly, Danielle Bird who played Clown One. She was perfect and her accents were also incredible. It felt like a group of kids having the time of their lives, and we were right there with them.

While each of the actors brought sheer joy to me, there was one in particular that had me clutching my stomach.

Phil Yarrow who plays Clown two. His characters were all so different and it would be hard to keep up with all of the accents, but he did.

Each one of his characters had a different accent and of course clothing, so he had to change very quickly, and the changes were flawless.

I give 39 Steps, 39 stars out of 10.

Tickets for The 39 Steps at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre

The 39 Steps is playing at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre until the 10th of May.

You can get your tickets here