A Very Creative and Fun Adaptation of the Hitchcock Classic Hollywood Spy Thriller
I agree with what Barry Edelstein, The Old Globe’s Artistic Director, writes in the program note: adaptation is fascinating. There’s something especially exciting about seeing artists take a beloved work and completely rethink how it can exist onstage while still honoring what made the original so enduring. The Old Globe’s North American premiere of North by Northwest, presented by Emma Rice Company in co-production with Kay & McLean Productions and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions, is exactly that kind of thrilling adaptation.
For those unfamiliar with Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 classic, North by Northwest follows advertising executive Roger Thornhill, an ordinary man who is suddenly mistaken for a government agent and thrust into an international espionage conspiracy. As he races across the country to clear his name, he encounters dangerous spies, daring escapes, unexpected romance, and some of the most iconic suspense sequences in film history.
Emma Rice transformed Hitchcock’s thriller into a dance-charged theatrical event that embraces movement, humor, and suspense. Rather than attempting a straightforward recreation of the film, the production created an experience that feels fresh while lovingly winking at its cinematic source.
Danny Collins leads the company as Roger Thornhill with effortless charm, strong comedic timing, and impressive dance ability. Patrycja Kujawska is absolutely fantastic as Eve Kendall. She delivers several standout moments throughout the evening, but one particularly intimate scene with Collins is simply breathtaking—steamy, precise, and beautifully executed. Credit is certainly due to Etta Murfitt, whose work as Movement Director, Choreographer, and Intimacy Coordinator creates moments that feel both elegant and emotionally charged.
Simon Oskarsson brings power and precision to Valerian, delivering an enamored mafioso with commanding presence while also serving as the production’s Associate Choreographer. Bryony Pennington shines as Anna, pairing graceful movement with heartfelt delivery, while Karl Queensborough is wonderfully menacing as the ruthless Phillip Vandamm. Evangeline Dickson also brings great intention to Mrs. Townsend, contributing to the production’s wonderfully balanced ensemble.
Katy Owen practically steals the show as The Professor. Her audience interaction, expert comedic delivery, expressive mannerisms, and boundless charm make every one of her appearances memorable.
Rob Howell‘s scenic design appears to be simple. A series of imposing revolving doors dominates the stage, creating constant motion and clever transitions. While the repeated use occasionally feels visually fatiguing against an otherwise minimal set, the precision with which the performers navigate them is impressive. The colorful bottles incorporated into the design even evoke the look of an upscale perfume counter, adding another layer of stylish visual intrigue. Howell’s costume design perfectly captures the polished glamour and mystery of classic Hollywood thrillers.
Simon Baker‘s music and sound design add another delightful theatrical twist. By incorporating songs from the original film and having the actors lip-sync them Ă la RuPaul’s Drag Race, the production embraces a playful self-awareness that keeps the audience smiling.
Malcolm Rippeth‘s lighting beautifully contours every chase, revelation, and suspenseful beat, heightening the tension while guiding the audience through the story’s constantly shifting momentum.
There are also a few special effects that are best left unmentioned to preserve the surprises. You know, dear reader, no spoilers, pues.
Running at nearly three hours, North by Northwest flies by. Theatrical reimagination at its best.
This performance is definitely a fun time out at the theatre with friends.
Kev McCurdy is the Fight Director, Helen Lainsbury the Company Stage Manager on Book, and Zoë Mackinnon is the Stage Manager.
Performances currently running until August 2.
There will be Post Show Forums on Wednesday, July 22 and Wednesday, July 29, following the evening performance.
