Classic Hitchcock spy thriller with a comedic twist at Teatru Manoel

This month, FM Theatre Productions and Teatru Manoel are bringing the classic British spy movie The 39 Steps to the theatre in a stage adaptation by Patrick Barlowe. The play gives a comedic twist to the original spy thriller, and is a technical tour de force for the actors who will keep audiences engaged and entertained throughout.

Directed by Chris Gatt, the concept for the play sounds simple in theory, but is extremely challenging to execute. With over 150 characters appearing in the script, but only four people in the cast, the actors face a physically and theatrically challenging performance as they take on multiple roles – sometimes multiple at the same time! When asked to describe The 39 Steps, actor and managing director of FM Theatre Productions Edward Mercieca said: “The first word that springs to mind is manic.” He went on to explain that the play is technically very challenging for the cast, “with much physical theatre, slapstick and tornado speed changes in characters, with Stephen Oliver and myself playing at least a dozen characters each.

Obviously having an expert like Chris at the helm is always great to have. He raises the bar all the time”.

Adapted from Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic film, this award-winning production takes you on a thrilling adventure filled with mistaken identities, daring escapes and unexpected twists. Follow the witty and charming Richard Hannay, played by

Alan Paris, as he finds himself entangled in a web of espionage and danger, pursued by both the authorities and a mysterious organisation known as “the 39 Steps”. Performing alongside Alan is Sarah Mercieca who takes on the roles of the three women with whom Hannay

gets romantically involved, and then of course there’s Edward Mercieca and Stephen Oliver taking on too many roles to count.

The 39 Steps will take the stage at Teatru Manoel for two weekends until 28 April, bringing loads of laughter to this iconic venue in the heart of Valletta. Mercieca has been performing on the Teatru Manoel stage for many years now, and when asked about his experience with that, he said “Teatru Manoel is a jewel of a theatre, we are so lucky to be able to work on that stage. Many of us cut our teeth on it and have honed our trade there too. In a way it feels like home to many of us, especially those actors in my age bracket. I first worked there in 1985 – I’m practically a museum piece now!”

This fast-paced comedy will have audience members at the edge of their seats throughout the play as they try to keep up with the crazy antics happening on stage, and promises a belly full of laughs from start to end.

For further information on the show and to get your tickets, call the Teatru Manoel box office on 2124 6389 or visit www. teatrumanoel.mt

The 39 Steps takes place tonight for its third performance and then again on 26, 27 and 28 April.

This article is supported by Arts Council Malta