A fast-paced thriller? Well, maybe this time with a comic twist!
Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society present The 39 Steps at the Hippodrome Theatre, Halifax Road, Todmorden, from Wednesday, February 19, to Saturday, February 22.
It is a personal favourite of the play’s director Andrew Rawlinson, whose day job is as a regional manager for a leading national chain of theatres.
His career began as a youngster with the Todmorden theatre and last year he said he was delighted to have been pencilled in for this one.
TAODS’ spokeswoman Justine Sutcliffe said: “Andrew has wanted to do this play for some time now and we’re really glad that we finally gave in!
“Rehearsals are already laugh-out-loud funny and the stage crew have been in hysterics several times over.”
The play is based on the classic Hitchcock film of the same name.
It features a man named Richard Hannay (complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache) as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women.
This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 130 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.
“Our brave cast is a mix of new and familiar. We’re glad to see Dan Clay back with us so soon after ‘Teechers’ and it’s always a treat to see Joyce Fraser perform.
“Joining them are Phil O’Farrell and Rick Whyte, who are both experienced actors although this is their first play with us at the Hippodrome,” said Justine.
As usual tickets are available online (www.todhip.org) or from Todmorden Tourist Information Centre in person or phone 01706 818181.
“So book a seat now for a fabulous, funny evening that’s guaranteed to blow away the winter blues,” she added.
l TAODS have been nominated for nine NODA north west awards. The nominations are for: Best Play - Whose afraid of Virginia Woolf; Best male lead in a play - Chris Berry; Best female lead in a play - Katrina Heath; Best Artistic Direction of a play - John Spooner; Best male comedy role in a play - Andy Frazer; Best female supporting in a youth Musical - Jess Clarkson (Fantine); Best male supporing in a Youth Musical - Callum Roberts (Gavroche); Best staging of a Youth Musical - Les Miserables; and Best Musical Direction of a Youth Musical - Helen Clarkson - Les Miserables.