Part 1: Rehearsals in full swing for The 39 Steps

Friday, 7 February 2025 13:47

Rehearsals are in full swing at Salisbury Playhouse ahead of the opening of The 39 Steps.

Salisbury Radio met the cast and directors of the production and bring you a three-part series of interviews ahead of opening night. In Part One, we hear from director Ryan McBryde and assistant director Fiona Munro.

We are invited to experience the mystery of Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, in Patrick Barlow’s brilliantly hilarious stage adaptation. This Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy is back on a UK tour after a phenomenal 10-year run in London’s West End.

Follow the dashing Richard Hannay as he embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with daring antics, romantic encounters and ghastly murders. Get set for a whirlwind of suspense taking you from the bustling streets of London to the remote Scottish Highlands as four talented actors play over 150 characters. Don’t miss this exhilarating escapade that will have you laughing, gasping, and cheering for more!

Ryan McBryde directed Sleeping Beauty at the Playhouse over the festive period and is back at the helm of The 39 Steps. McBryde compared the performance to being like a dance: "You're working out. It's like a ballet.

"Working out how you're getting between these locations and the transitions. Then you've got to get to get a table off. You've got to get them up onto the next level."

Listen to the full interview below:

The 39 Steps opens at Salisbury Playhouse on Thursday, 13th February, and runs until Saturday, 8th March.

Tickets are priced from £12 and can be purchased from the Wiltshire Creative Website - https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/the-39-steps

In Part Two, we will hear from Mater Oxley, who plays Richard Hannah, and Mei Mei Macleod, who plays Annabelle, Pamela and Margaret. We find out what rehearsals have been like and more about the production.