The 39 Steps Review
The 39 Steps Brings Fast-Paced Fun and Creative Chaos to Garrison Little Theatre’s 40th Season
By CHRISTINE WHELAN, FEO
Fort Erie’s Garrison Little Theatre began its 40th season in March with a different kind of play—an “environmental play”—a performance that uses the audience space. The lights went down as an abrupt entrance was made by a small group from the back of the hall, winding their way to the stage for final setup, music playing; all a part of the show.
As the theatre’s website reveals, “Richard Hannay goes to a London theatre, attending a demonstration of the remarkable powers of Mr. Memory, a man with a photographic memory, when a fight breaks out, and a shot is fired. In the ensuing panic, he finds himself holding a frightened Annabella Schmidt, who talks him into taking her back to his flat.”
After exposing what, or who, The 39 Steps are, Annabella was killed, and Hannay began running from the accusation of the murder.
Actors Darka Makarec, Scott Cooper, Erik Timbers, and Matthew Fyke captivated the audience throughout the play as they portrayed multiple characters, supported by several company members in backstage roles.
The sets rapidly changed. Characters shifted with a change of hat or wig, a prop or jacket, at times every few seconds—all while looking for the murderer of a woman connected to The 39 Steps.
Actors performed physical antics such as walking as if along the outer edge of a fast-moving train, shuffling sideways, and shaking as if being jolted by the train’s motion. And, of course, there were sound effects.
The madness of The 39 Steps was fast-paced, silly humour, with the odd chase around backstage and through the audience—and let’s not forget that brilliant, forever-moving door!
In the end, it didn’t matter whether the murder was solved; it was the journey of the chase that gave great satisfaction.
Garrison Little Theatre is a volunteer-based community group that has been entertaining audiences in the Niagara and Buffalo regions since 1986. Performances are held at the Crystal Ridge Community Centre, 99 Ridge Road S.
“In an increasingly apprehensive—and increasingly AI-generated—world, there is something wonderfully cathartic about gathering together to share the age-old tradition of live theatre. It’s vibrant, unpredictable, a little bit daring, and always human.” — Richard Nigh, President, Garrison Little Theatre, as printed in the performance’s program.
As they prepare for future productions, Garrison Little Theatre is looking for new storage space for its sets, props, and equipment. For information, email gltsecretary1101@gmail.com.
For more about Garrison Little Theatre:
www.garrisonlittletheatre.com