For the final play of the summer season at the Manor Pavilion Theatre, the audiences are offered a bonkers, off-the-wall, laugh out loud parody of the classic book and 1935 Hitchcock film, The 39 Steps, with some 120 roles portrayed by just four actors.

The play runs at full tilt as the performers switch between the rich list of characters. It is a complete triumph on all levels.

Cleverly presented as a theatre within a theatre, the cast have to negotiate an obstacle course of characterisation, costume changes, furniture movement and a truckload of props.

Cardboard flames placed in a grate gets a round of applause, men running on and off stage with a lamppost has the audience in stitches and a tap-dancing jester almost blows the roof off. Andrew Beckett’s production is slick, clever and inventive, but even in this less than conventional play, the story is the thing and Patrick Barlow’s writing keeps very closely to the original.

Our suave, adventurous hero is Richard Hannay played by Charlie Bryant – he is so clear-voiced you miss nothing and his comic timingand chemistry with fellow actors is exemplary.

Holly Ashman revels in the portrayal of the three femme fatales; all create a sexually-charged relationship with Hannay - here too is an actor whose sense of comedy is spot-on.

Filling the majority of the characters are the two ‘clowns’.

These are hugely complex roles but in Dominic McChesney and Josh Coley we are in very safe hands – they are a brilliant double-act and shine individually; Mr Memory’s final speech is stomach-achingly hilarious and the completely over the top villain is comedy gold.

The use of soundtracks from Hitchcock films is perfect and the many music, sound and lighting cues are expertly timed by Daniel Saint. Costume designer, Jan Huckle, and supervisor of props, Freya Bramble,  should also receive plaudits.

This is a perfect way to end the season. It is a production which is exhilarating as it is exhausting to watch. It is ideal entertainment and performed with a hefty dose of brilliance.

The Summer Play Festival 2023 ends on a high.

A 12-week repertory season is not found around every corner – Sidmouth is unique as it is wonderful and those who live within visiting distance are amazingly well blessed.

The 2023 season has seen really good audience sizes; let us hope it will provide the boost for a return in 2024.