ATC’s opening gambit for their 09 season is a rollicking slapstick spectacle. John Buchan’s classic bestselling thriller (Buchan called them ‘shockers’) was written in 1915, and set a year earlier on the eve of world war one. 

Mike Edward has what many claim to be the hardest job – playing the straight(est) role of prototype gentleman hero Richard Hannay.  Looking the part, and deftly adept in the physicality of the role, his character is more poncey than dashing, a tad wanting for the cool confidence and sensual charm essential to the gentleman adventurer. 

Encountering an American spy who just has time to relay a few cryptic details of an international assassination plot before being offed with the archetypal knife in the back, Hannay embarks on a perilous journey to bust the evil conspirators whilst evading the legal authorities due to his implication in the murder of said spy.

Really though, plot details are irrelevant, as is the expectation for any genuine suspense.  This production is not aiming for chilling drama, nor is it making any pertinent political statements as far as I can see; if there are any they are seriously upstaged by the clear mission of this intrepid company – they are having a laugh.

Lisa Chappell showcases her versatile skill with a range of classes and types.  As the sole female performer she plays Hannay’s accomplice and love interest Julia Urquhart, a most refined lady but game for action (not in the book).  Chappell extends far beyond the beautiful straight roles she is more known for in television.  Her handful of other roles include various working class types and an incorrigible 5 year old girl channelling her conveniently psychic rag doll to reveal a vital clue. 

Cameron Rhodes and Stephen Papps cover the remaining twenty plus roles – the promotional claim there are 130* seems to be as exaggerated as the rest of the production.  Both veterans of multi-character performances, Rhodes and Papps supply a rich and convincing cross-section of society’s haves and have-nots.  Indeed there could be no better casting choice for the requirements of this piece.

Although adapted by Gumbley from the 1915 novel [for last year’s Court Theatre production], there was more than one nod to the classic 1935 Hitchcock, as well as a cheeky reference to Strangers on a Train…there may have been others.  In the spirit of the work, why the heck not?

By and large, the players are directed to fine comedic levels by Ross Gumbley.  Every step of the way the action is farcical, taking any opportunity to slip in a gag provided it’s in keeping with the genre – sort of Carry On Spying if you will.

The Set design of Tony Geddes and Gumbley is adequately breathtaking, enhanced to truly impressive levels by the exemplary lighting design of Brad Gledhill.  The dynamically self-aware special effects provide a number of spectacular highlights, like the models of various planes, trains and vessels.  My favourite was the hilarious car chase/gunfight between Hannay and the one-eyed man (Rhodes), Chappell and Papps evoking passing lampposts and obstructions etc.  Only the timing of the train-bridge jump was less than successful on opening night.

From what I’ve observed about Elizabeth Whiting’s costume design over the years, she excels and evidently revels in assignments that call for period dress.  This production is a definitive case in point, and the authenticity of the clothing truly helps to transport us to this classic era of almost a century ago.

As much fun as both the audience and cast are clearly having, I confess to being left a little wanting for any actual gripping suspense.  The storyline, whilst more or less making sense, does appear secondary to the slapstick antics and ingenious theatrical solutions, and ingenious they are to be sure.  Thus, patrons are happily escorted through an hour and a half’s cleverness, without necessarily giving them a great deal to take away and contemplate or consider.

*[EG: "Four fearless actors play 139 roles in 100 madcap minutes" according to the promo run by Eventfinder. The programme lists 31 roles, not counting passing lampposts, etc – ED]

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Auckland Theatre Company’s season opener is a bubbly confection that gently lampoons the intrepid heroism of John Buchan’s tautly written thriller set in the tumultuous years leading to the outbreak of World War I.

The show captures something of the original’s rollicking sense of adventure, and the high-spirited cast has great fun staging action sequences that feature zeppelins, low-swooping biplanes and a frantic chase on a fast-moving train. [More]

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer