Directed by Ben Sanderson and starring Luke Hookham as comedic hero Richard Hannay, the SUTCo production of Samuel French’s beloved stage play The 39 Steps is sure to be unmissable.
I spoke to Ben (director; he/him) and Barbara (assistant director; she/her) about the show.
What is it about? How big is the cast?
Ben: The show is based on a book from 1915 and a Hitchcock film from the 1930s. It’s about a man who, after being framed, tries to clear his name and uncover the secrets of ‘The 39 Steps’, a mysterious organisation. It’s an international espionage story with the comedy dialled up. One actor plays the main role, Richard Hannay, and every other cast member has multiple roles, sometimes in the same scene. They can range from incredibly ridiculous to quite terrifying. We’ve also added in two actors doubling as ‘stage crew’, for more comedic moments.
What was the audition and casting process like?
Ben: We had to do it a lot sooner than the rest of the shows this semester, to make sure that when university started again we could get going almost immediately. So we had to do our auditions all the way back in July, and online. Personally, I think it went well.
Barbara: It went very well. We were worried about them not moving around, but certain people who auditioned really did use the space that they had.
Ben: Yes, and there was some very creative usage of cameras. We were a bit worried about sign-ups, but we got a cast-sized audition, so everyone who came got a part, and they were all really good.
How does directing differ from experiences you’ve had with other roles in theatre?
Ben: I’ve directed twice before, but mainly I have acted. I have always found that sometimes I like to argue for an idea and I have to be reminded that I’m not the director! But in most instances they do take it on board.
Barbara: I directed a skit for USLES last year, which Ben was actually in. It went well, but I find directing more responsibility and work than acting. When you’re only participating in a show, you can go home at the end of the rehearsal.
Ben: Yes, and directors have to be at every rehearsal. And outside of that, they have to think about what’s happening with tech, socials and the show venue.
Barbara: It’s a very different experience.
Ben: We are also doing this without a production manager, which is a key part of the production team. They usually manage the tech side of things, so the directors are having to take on a little extra work.
What made SUTCo choose The 39 Steps?
Ben: With SUTCo shows, there’s usually an individual who decides that they want to do a particular show, and they approach SUTCo with a proposal. They explain their intentions, all the different aspects of the show and why SUTCo should do it, and it ends with a vote. With The 39 Steps, the process was slightly different. Because it’s short it was classed as a ‘special,’ so I just had an interview with the relevant member of committee, who then discussed the show with senior committee. I chose The 39 Steps because I am a massive fan of comedy acting. I also really like multi-roling, and this show has that in heaps. I like its crazy chaotic energy – we’ve had rehearsals where we’ve not stopped laughing. We’re really hoping we can bring that magic to the stage.
Does the play stay true to the originals or does it only parody them?
Ben: The play does stick to the plot; everything is just blown way out of proportion. The film takes itself very seriously, whereas the play is a silly comedy about a man in a bizarre situation. The characters in the play are ridiculous caricatures played for laughs.
Barbara: Our Richard Hannay (Luke Hookham) watched the Hitchcock version for inspiration, and was taken aback by how serious that version is. So it’s the exact same plot, just completely different in genre. Maybe a better word is ‘interpretation.’ ‘Parody’ is correct, but it’s not that far removed from the originals.
What changes when this story comes to the stage?
Ben: There are definitely aspects from the film that have had to be really adapted to be put on the stage. We have some very creative sound and lighting.
Barbara: It’s been fun to create huge scenes that would require millions and millions of pounds in film with just four chairs–
Ben: Six chairs! Six chairs and some coats. There’s a chase scene involving shadow puppets, and other interesting ways of taking an extreme movie shot and stripping it down to just one effect. Obviously we can’t fly a plane onstage!
What kind of person will love this play?
Ben: I think most people will enjoy this play. It’s a good laugh and a lot of fun. The cast are really enjoying it, and if the cast are having fun, the audience will too.
Barbara: It’s silly and it’s meant to be enjoyed by everyone.
Ben: Yes, it’s a bit like The Play That Goes Wrong, with a very deliberate low-budget effect, so it’s supposed to be playful. As long as you’re not expecting a complex psychological drama, you’ll enjoy it.
What other SUTCo productions have you got coming up this semester?
Ben: Barbara and I aren’t involved in any other SUTCo productions after The 39 Steps, but we are in a USLES show, performing in Coffee Revolution in December. It’s a pantomime-esque show about cheese, Christmas and portals. And there are three SUTCo shows after The 39 Steps. In Week 5 is Swap the Press, in Week 8 there’s another comedy show called Lights over Tesco Car Park, and then in Week 10 the Greek tragedy Medea. Some of our cast will be performing in those.
Barbara: But if you only see one SUTCo show, come to ours!
SUTCo’s production of ‘The 39 Steps’ is playing on Sunday 15th October at 2pm & 5pm in Studio, which is located in Foundry in the Students’ Union.
