A triumphant theatrical exploration of Hitchcock’s classic Cold War caper, North by Northwest.
Director and Deviser Emma Rice’s celebrated theatre company, Wise Children, are becoming known on the theatre scene for their adaptations. Fresh off the back of an international tour of Wuthering Heights, the company now unveil their latest production, North by Northwest.
Katy Owen, as the Professor, narrates this tale of mistaken identity, with simple soul, Roger Thornhill (Ewan Wardrop) accidentally believed to be a fellow called Roger Kaplan, who happens to be wanted by the bad guys. There’s romance, drama and a whole host of scene-shifts in this creative production. From that infamous cornfield scene, to speeding away on a train. The vivid imagery of the film is represented in this production with revolving doors that move in and out of the set. A technique which is pulled off to great success.
Adapting this classic Hitchcock film for the stage is a complex challenge, but Wise Children demonstrate their ample ability to take this on with pizzazz and precision. The plot is notoriously complicated, and this is where Owen, who is undoubtedly the star of the show, really comes to shine. Supported by dynamic dialogue and inspired staging, her array of voices and sheer physical presence on stage is captivating.
The narration really helps the audience stay on top of the many identities portrayed by this small-yet-dynamic cast. There’s also clever work with props to help aid those watching, with suitcases with signs guiding the audience through roles and locations. All masterfully done.
The play does gild the lily at times, in ways which draws out the length of the show somewhat needlessly. The scenes between Roger and Eva ( Patrycja Kujawska) on a train feel overly elongated – the audience are clear on their budding connection early on. However, the film clocks in at a weighty two hours and nineteen minutes long, so Wise Children can be forgiven for finding what to leave out a hard choice.
As our romantic leads, Wardrop and Kujawska offer capable performances that demonstrate their experience on stage. They have tough boots to fill, with Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint taking on the roles in the 1959 film. While they don’t quite deliver on this heritage, it’s an undoubtedly tall order. The pair are very watchable and believable in their roles.
The villain Philip Vandaamm (played by Karl Queensborough) and his two murderous stooges Anna (Mirabelle Gremaud) and Valerian (Simon Oskarsson) are played to suitably sinister effect. The on-stage dynamic between the accomplices, Anna and Valerian, is particularly humorous.
Choreographed by Etta Murfitt, who is renowned for her work with famed ballet director and deviser, Matthew Bourne, the dancing in this production really sets the scene in 1959. The cast come forth with swing and sass in scene breaks, interludes and moments of lip-syncing, with an array of splendid songs from the era. There’s a particularly charming scene between the hapless hero and a policeman that really makes waves with the audience.
This creative production is a must for Hitchcock fans, theatre enthusiasts and those familiar with Emma Rice and Wise Children’s work.
Reviewed on 15 May. Runs until 17 May.
