On stage: The 39 Steps at The Playhouse Theatre, Somerset West, May 2021

On stage: The 39 Steps at The Playhouse Theatre, Somerset West, May 14-29 2021

Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps opens on Friday May 14, at The Playhouse Theatre, Somerset West. Yes, this on-stage. It is not a streamed show. Yes, strict Covid protocols will be adhered to and patrons will need to keep masks on at all times. What can one expect? This is what the organisers say: “Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have the intriguing, thrilling and unmissable comedy. The show features a notorious fugitive and a spellbound leading Lady from a London music hall all the way to Scotland’s most remote highlands. Will they save Britain from a den of devious spies? A cast of four actors plays over 50 characters in this fast-paced tale of an ordinary man on an extraordinarily hilarious adventure. You’ll be sure to leave the theatre entertained and in stitches.” Adaption is by Patrick Barlow. Direction is by Matthew Martin.

The Playhouse has been filling its houses, during lockdown, albeit with limited attendance due to Rona regulations. This is community theatre – by the community – for the community. The 39 Steps is a classic Hitchcock and from the rehearsal pics, it looks like this is going to be a hoot. By the way, The Playhouse Theatre is owned by the Somerset West community and operates entirely from income from its own productions and from hiring out the venue. Everyone works on a volunteer basis. The Playhouse is also home to a ballet school and a musical theatre academy- with classes running throughout the year. Fabulous musical theatre workshops take place in the school holidays. Get to see The 39 Steps.

❇ Sponsored post.