Reviewed by Zuzi Fort
“Go North, go north (or Northwest) … life is thrilling there!”
As a huge Alfred Hitchcock fan, I was a little apprehensive about how, or even if, the stage adaptation of Hitchcock’s movie North by Northwest would do him and his work justice. Hitchcock is well known for revolutionising movies, particularly for his visual storytelling. He was a master of the thriller and a genius at creating suspense. His cinematography is a marvel to watch and has been studied and copied. It has, however, not been adapted for the stage before.
Theatre is an art of storytelling that generally relies less on special effects and the visual but more on dialogue, be it between the performers on stage or with the audience. In theatre, the actor and the audience work together as a team. They communicate in non-verbal and sometimes verbal ways and work together to create a fantastic experience.
Can cinema and theatre meet and work well together? That was my dilemma. Could the producers, actors, designers of stage, set and lighting and the director make this work? How will a movie translate onto a stage?
Another dilemma that I faced was how this superb thriller aged? Could it withstand the scrutiny of a fast-paced culture in today’s world of short attention spans and special effects?
The answer is a definite yes! Director Simon Phillips and a fantastic cast led by David Campbell have created pure magic on stage. Their highly stylised multi-level performance is reminiscent of Epic Theatre in its unapologetic acceptance that this is a performance, these are performers, and it is a show that we are watching. Rather than detracting from the enjoyment of the performance, it enhances it. It puts the message of moral relativism and what is right and wrong under a magnifying glass and heightens it. The film is a masterpiece covering the themes of deception, mistaken identity, the Cold War, and romance. And just like the film, the stage version of this caper thriller is a combination of comedy and mystery mixed with some good old-fashioned action. Carolyn Burns, who adapted the script, has surpassed all expectations, and penned a blockbuster on stage.
Without giving too much away, the plot revolves around a New York City advertising executive who must go on the run when he is mistaken for a government agent by foreign spies. In the process, he forms feelings for a mysterious lady of doubtful loyalty. A deadly cat-and-mouse game ensues with a climactic finish. It is a delicate balance between romance, comedy, and, let’s not forget, Hitchcock’s touch of the thriller.
The execution of the play, from start to finish, is flawless. Everything, every aspect, fits together like a fine puzzle creating a true masterpiece.
Superb lighting and set design are visually mesmerising. The blue screen presenting outstanding images immerse audiences in each scene and smack in the middle of the action. The fantastic juxtaposition of live action with film, peppered with atmospheric close-ups and spanning wide shots, is a fine tribute to Hitchcock’s techniques. However, unlike the movie where technique must remain hidden not to cause distraction, the stage version brings the technique to light, as if paying homage to Hitchcock’s mastery.
Though featuring some truly exceptional talent, this is first and foremost an ensemble performance. Every member of the cast and the crew count in their individual contribution. Even the stagehands play a vital role in the performance as they manipulate the set, and sometimes the actors, in full view. Stylistically moving sets, minimal yet clever use of props and minimal scenery all form an integral part of the show. The immediately familiar score sets the mood, and the visually consistent motive and narrative storytelling performed in a cinematic style allow for a totally immersive experience.
In conclusion and put plainly: this is a winner. Spearheaded by the multi-talented David Campbell and award winner Amber McMahon and supported by a cast of exemplary veterans of the Australian theatre, this is a theatrical event you cannot afford to miss. It is pure unadulterated genius.