The 39 Steps
Review by Martine Silkstone.
Oh, what a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon – enjoying a fabulously entertaining al fresco performance of ‘The 39 Steps’ at the beautiful Thorington Theatre.
The weather was warm and balmy with just a light breeze to cool us as we took our seats for the popular parody version of Buchan’s famous adventure novel, this time presented by touring company, The Shakespeare Circus.
Now, I first saw this comedy play about 20 years ago and I loved it then, so settling into my wooden seat I had high hopes for a couple of joyous hours of theatre. And I’m delighted to say that my expectations were more than met by the four actors (and on-stage musician - a charming addition) creating this latest performance.
Yes, just four people cover all the characters in this spy extravaganza, with three of them multi-roling using an impressive array of wigs, accents and clever physicality (and just a little suspension of disbelief by the audience, of course).
The dashing Harrison Sharpe plays our restless hero, Richard Hannay, a classic Englishman complete with brown trilby and pencil moustache. Having attended a show in London, Hannay returns home with a lady on his arm but soon finds himself on the run after being falsely accused of a crime. Heading to Scotland to lay low, he becomes entangled in a German plot to steal military secrets. Now, surrounded by spies and suspicion, he is fighting not just for his life but for his country – though he naturally still finds time for some romance along the way.
Playing his love interest(s) is the talented Georgie Boston, while Rhys Llewelyn-Williams (who is also the director) and Archie Papworth (who displays such an array of silly walks John Cleese would be proud) cover all remaining roles – and what a pair they are. Just hilarious!
In fact all four young actors were incredible in the way they managed to keep the narrative clear and moving – and funny! – while at the same time playing with the crowd and the performance space, constantly running up and down stairs and even among the audience, drawing us into each character and using subtle glances and winks to break the fourth wall.
All very Shakespearean in style.
And I loved how they had adapted their performance to Thorington Theatre, occasionally moving position to allow all sides to witness a prop or gag. It seems obvious, but it is not always the case – it takes a true director/performer to consider the audience’s perspective in all things. Bravo.
Yes, this performance was huge fun. Well done all.
Did you see the show? We’d love to hear your thoughts so please do share them on our social media.
Note: We are so lucky here in Suffolk to have a wide variety of theatrical venues to enjoy, from the impressive Ipswich Regent to the historic Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, to Thorington Theatre’s magical outdoor setting among the trees. And everything in between…
May I gently encourage you to make the most of them?
You may have missed this show, but there are plenty of others coming up to choose from, so why not book yourself a joyous experience?
You’ll be glad you did.
The 39 Steps was at Thorington Theatre on 16 August 2026.
The Shakespeare Circus have other shows now booking elsewhere – ‘Twelfth Night’, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘A Comedy of Errors’ - and you can find more information on the rest of their 2026 tour HERE.