39 Steps Flashcards
When did I see it
11 th may
When where was it written what’s it about
Adapted by Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon corble and noddy Simon . Set in 1935. Focuses on the character of Richard hannay , a young gentlemen framed for a crime he did not commit . To avoid being arrested he goes on the run from London to Scotland while simultaneously trying to solve the mystery of the 39 steps . Originally performed by 4 actors multirolling . In the version I saw each actor played a role with some been sharing . Style of exaggerated melodramatic comedy
What was the general set
Miminalistic but filled stage . Two trucks of ladders created idea of steps and represented Hannays constant movement through the play . Piles of shelves and chairs on either side to frame stage which created intimacy and symbolised chaos . Laminated wood floor conveyed the period of the piece
How was the train created
Use of set . Ladder trucks moved to create an overhead rounded structure which hannah swung from to represent him being chased by police on top of the train . They could be easily moved for which scene change . Objects taken out of the piles and placed standing in row to represent train wall . Boxes taken out of pile and sat on to create train . Actors moved themselves to show train wss moving . Smoke machine portrayed steam or the train . Moving projection could have been used to show train .
How was the theatre created
Flashing projection that said London palladium .
Hotel scene
Sign put up said name of hotel and established Scottish location . Concierge desk quickly brought on by bringing suitcases out the corner . Fireplace created by waving orange flag in front of light , humour . Bed created by pillows and blanket held up by people in black to the heads of Richard and Pamela Unconventional created comedy
How did mr memory use voice
Exaggerated English accent and elogated words from mr memory . Theatre act created anticipation for what he was going to say by elongating words . Spoke with energy to convey excitement
How did Richard use voice
Clipper English accent , conveyed 1935 period , highlighting certain words to show a charchter with charm . Spoke too slowly at times and without much energy making Him boring
How was Scottish accent used
Contrasted hannays accent . Exaggerated Scottish accent provided comedy and went along with ginger beard and quilt to create comedic stereotype . Some words could not be understood
How was movement used in theatre scene
Arables Schmidt walked with an upright posture to convey superiority , me hannay wslkand e with upright posture to convey confidence and charm . Dance sequence established s fun extravagant thetraical atmosphere but felt some moves were repeated . Mr memory used exaggerated hand gestures and shook hands before speaking to create anticipation
Police chase scene movement
Clumsy and slow movement of police officers created comedy . Officers kept on hitting such others heads accidentally with clubs created comedy . Ran diagonally to show pace of chase and fill more spaces with
How was sound used
Music established time period and mood . All old Style music to reflect period of the piece . Whenever actor said 39 steps dramatic music was played lights changed and actors held a melodramatic shock pose . At first this provided comedy but was repeated many times and became tedious , overused . Over too orchestral music played to establish West end setting . Mr hanny’s love interest shown through sift romantic music and purple light , ineffective cliché would have been more humerius to have a sound and facial expression from hannay, music took away from his reaction . After Hannays speech dramatic orchestral music played to show the speech was inspiring . Punching sound effects used to show fighting
Lighting
Richards monologue simplistic spotlight to focus the audience on him . Lights flashed when 39 steps was said to create intrigue . Overused. When Richard made speech lights dimmed and spotlight on him to show his word were inspiring
How was costume used theatre scene
Mr memory sparkly red bow tie and suit showed he was an enterauiner . Dancers wore red flapper dresses headbands and pearls to create extravagant atmosphere . Arab ella wore a glittery dress and carried a pipe to show sophistication .
How was costume used on the train
Pamela simply dressed with hat to show she was shy . Richard wearing fashionable suit reflected time period and his suave and charming personality . Men on train changed from normal hats to policeman hats to change charachyet which provided comedy .
