Emma Rice’s North By Northwest: A Charming Twist on Hitchcock’s Classic
Mistaken identity steals the spotlight in Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1959 spy thriller, North By Northwest. This Kafkaesque tale unfolds when Roger Thornhill, a suave New York advertising executive, mistakenly becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of espionage when he is misidentified as the elusive George Kaplan. As sinister forces converge, Roger’s struggle to maintain his sense of self against the backdrop of international intrigue poses an existential challenge.
A Playful Reimagining
In her latest adaptation, Emma Rice takes the reins with a fresh perspective, diverting focus from the crisis of identity to indulge in the comedic absurdities of the espionage genre.
While the original film thrived on suspense and tension, Rice’s rendition is marked by a delightfully playful spirit that engages the audience in lighthearted banter. However, some of the deeper themes—namely, global crises and the toxic aftermath of war—are introduced rather late in the narrative, almost as an afterthought. The show may lack the brooding darkness and palpable sense of danger characteristic of Hitchcock’s style, yet it thrives on entertainment value and comedic subversion.
Whimsical Elements and Audience Engagement
The adaptation retains much of the screenplay’s dialogue, cleverly spruced up with wry narration and moments that blur the fourth wall. This creates opportunities for hilarious audience participation, breathing new life into the classic.
Among the charming features are gender-bending performances: men don women’s roles, and women portray men, leading to captivating moments of performance, including exuberant dances and lip-sync renditions of jazz classics by artists like Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald.
Captivating Performances
Leading the cast, Ewan Wardrop embodies the droll spirit of Cary Grant’s Roger Thornhill, resembling a comical blend of super-spy and classic Hitchcockian charm. His chemistry with Eva Kendall (played by Patrycja Kujawska), swathed in a striking red dress, unfolds with delightful tongue-in-cheek exchanges.
The six-member ensemble demonstrates exceptional versatility, crafting a vibrant world that feels far larger than its number of performers. Their physical comedy is accentuated by Etta Murfitt’s witty choreography set against a backdrop of jazzy rhythms.
Ingenious Staging and Design
A standout in Rice’s adaptation is its creative staging, which cleverly balances action-packed set pieces—including the film’s iconic train and plane chase sequences. The UN headquarters is visually represented through a dynamic assembly of telephone operators communicating in a mix of languages, while the famous crop-dusting plane attack on Thornhill is executed with miniaturized inventiveness.
With Malcolm Rippeth’s clever lighting and Rob Howell’s elegant set design, featuring a rotating array of doors and vintage liqueur bottles, the visual effects create an aesthetically stunning experience. These elements artfully reflect the ongoing theme of deception and disguise that underpins the storyline.
A Lighthearted Espionage Adventure
Ultimately, while some may critique the lighter touch in comparison to Hitchcock’s sense of urgency, Rice’s adaptation of North By Northwest emerges as an undeniable crowd-pleaser. The concluding scene, set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Rushmore, may lack the peril of the original film, but the production is a joyous romp—fun, intelligent, and infused with Rice’s trademark whimsy.
Tickets & Show Information
You can catch North By Northwest at the York Theatre Royal until April 5, followed by a tour until June 22. Don’t miss this delightful theatrical experience that offers a fresh take on a classic narrative!
With its blend of humor, innovative staging, and engaging performances, Emma Rice’s adaptation invites both film aficionados and theatre-goers to relish in a celebration of storytelling that stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of Hitchcock’s work!
