Interview with the Cast of the 39 Steps

The 39 Steps

By Ella Ray, Year 11, The Ridgeway Campus

To the members of the 2021 production of the 39 Steps,

The theatre symbolises something different to everyone. To some, it is a place of escapism, a place of experience, a place of work. To me, and to so many others of this project, the theatre is a place of love. Of home.

The absence of theatre in 2020 was consistently heavy, terribly difficult to grapple with at times, but it was also a constant reminder of hope and of what once was. I knew that someday soon I would return to the Schuster on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, to work on the art of storytelling – what I believe to be the essence of theatre.

In the time we had working on the 2021 rendition of the 39 Steps, I was at home again. To see a wonderful mix of familiar faces and new friends in the rehearsal room was a true delight, and to see every single person’s confidence, capability and connection within the school grow was equally fantastic. Even though the wider school community may never see how brilliant the show was, everyone present at those rehearsals could feel the room brimming with energy, passion and true talent.

Thank you, truly, to everyone involved in the production, both student and staff. For a moment in time, I (along with so many others) could return home, immersing myself in the world of Hitchcock’s storytelling. I sincerely hope everyone involved enjoyed the 39 Steps as much as I did.

I hope to see all of you again soon, particularly on the stage!