The 39 Steps: Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
One hundred years ago John Buchan wrote The 39 Steps, a lively murder mystery and spy story set in London and Scotland.
The adaptation at Keswick keeps fairly close to the original story but mixes in a huge dose of comedy.
What's very clever about the play is how everyday objects on stage are transformed. The conceit is that a family and two workmen are delayed decorating a flat and, while they wait for the wallpaper to arrive, read Buchan's story and start to re-enact it.
This allows a standard lamp to become a street light, picture frames to turn into windows and scaffolding and ladders to double as the Forth Bridge.
Just four actors play a multitude of roles. There are some good set pieces, including a chase through a crowded Flying Scotsman, some strong acting and plenty of movement and action on stage.
At times I found the pace needed picking up a little - this is something that might well evolve over coming weeks - and the comedy was a bit too slapstick for me on occasion.
But, overall, it was a fun evening in a lovely theatre.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here