North by Northwest

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http://www.northbynorthwesttheplay.com

01/03/2022 until 03/04/2022

Funny Meets Fast Paced Action  

Directed by Simon Phillips and adapted by Carolyn Burns, North by Northwest brings the glamour of a classic Hollywood set to Sydney’s Lyric Theatre. Filled with quirky humour and passionate acting, this production is fantastic for everyone – even if you haven’t seen the original movie! 

Walking into the Lyric Theatre on opening night I was hesitant that having not seen the movie may reduce the value of the play. Perhaps there would be inside jokes that I couldn’t understand (there were), or plot adaptations that would modernise the production whilst staying true to the original (there also were). But none of this mattered as I quickly found out, because at its core North by Northwest is just good fun and humour packaged in an accessible to all format.

 I am hesitant to provide too much plot description, as with any thriller the plot twists and suspense are part of the package. However, what I will say is that this is a story of mistaken identity. Roger O. Thornhill is abducted by thugs who insist he is a man named George Kaplan. Try as he might, Roger cannot convince the thugs otherwise and so ensues a wild chase filled with murder, espionage and very sexy blondes that lasts the rest of the night.

The production jokes that it is a cast of thousands played by only 15 and many performers play several characters showing extreme diversity and production adaptability. A personal favourite was Amber McMahon, who you couldn’t look away from in her role as Eve Kendall. And of course, lead David Campbell played the role of confused and determined Roger O. Thornhill with intense vigour and charm. Likewise, Sharon Millerchip shines as the adorable and frazzled Maggie. 

The production plays homage to its Hollywood origins with comedy and flair, including the use of the stages wings to shoot their own mini re-enactments that are incorporated into the production beautifully. A particular scene involving Mount Rushmore National Park was iconic and whimsical and possible the most hilarious thing I have experienced all week. 

Set design is simple but effective, relying much on interpretations and suggestions to convey the setting. Lighting is conducted beautiful under the guide of Nick Schlieper who manages to intensify every scene, from thrills to heartache. 

North by Northwest is a fantastic production that offers a light-hearted escape from some of the troubles that plague us today. Filled with juxtapositions it is funny, yet thrilling and classical yet modern. The choice to push the technical resources of theatre in order to present the movie is brilliant and a perfect homage to the 1959 masterpiece that is North by Northwest.  

Review written by Cassie Cheeseman