The 39 Steps: style

Style and Tone

The 39 Steps is heavily rooted in the style of a farce, with over-the-top scenarios, melodramatic performances and comedic circumstances.
The play uses a meta-theatrical approach; it is a play within a play, deliberately drawing attention to its performed nature.
Despite the high-energy and comedic nature of the production, there are moments of tension and suspense which serve to anchor the plot and enhance the narrative.
Although the story is set in the 1930s, the style of acting and staging is non-naturalistic, often veering towards over-exaggeration and caricature.

There is an element of physical theatre throughout the performance, requiring strong physical work from the actors to convey the story and characters. This includes exaggerated movements and expressions.
In line with the farcical nature, the pace of the play is fast and the timing sharp, requiring precise execution from the cast.
There is a great deal of cross-casting, with actors playing multiple roles - this requires quick transitions and distinct differentiation for each character.
The dialogue is witty and quick, containing a number of one-liners, puns and asides that give comedic quality to the performance.
Finally, there is a strong emphasis on teamwork in this style of performance, with the cast often working in unison to create complex scenes and character interactions.

Visual and verbal gags, along with slapstick comedy, are frequently for comic effect.
There is frequent interaction with the audience, which adds another layer of metatheatre and helps to create a participatory atmosphere.

The set and props are minimalistic and multi-functional, often being used in imaginative and humourous ways, contributing to the overall comedic tone.
The lighting and sound of the play also play a major role in setting the mood and adding depth to the performance.