Emma Rice is no stranger to turning a movie into a stage production. But her latest project North by Northwest, based on the classic Alfred Hitchcock screen thriller, is different.
For starters the show (York Theatre Royal from March 18, official first night March 26) is a rare example of a project that came to her: “I was offered the opportunity to work on it, and jumped at it,” recalls the Wise Children company artistic director, who has written and directs the show.
“It’s such an honour to work on a Hitchcock movie. He’s one of the greatest storytellers of all time and a personal hero of mine. I love the way he uses glamour, sexual tension, intricate plotting and complex characters.
“Just the thought of it made me smile, and what sealed the deal was that I knew immediately who my Cary Grant would be: the fabulous Ewan Wardrop. I’ve worked with him many times before and he has the perfect mix of charisma, physicality and comedy. What a buzz!”
The many challenges of North by Northwest are pretty obvious: how do you have a biplane dive-bomb the hero? How do you recreate Mount Rushmore? And how do you put a train on stage? Even trickier was how to make this iconic period piece relevant to our times.
“That has been the big challenge, and the wonderful discovery,” says Emma. “This film offers so much for modern audiences as it tiptoes through the post-war landscape, exploring the damage war can do both politically and personally; daring to hope for a better world. All this as well as being one of the most gripping romps ever.”
Emma's previous film adaptations, such as Brief Encounter and Baghdad Cafe, have been based on emotion, while North by Northwest is all about plot, deception, mystery and brainwork, as reluctant hero Roger Thornhill finds himself caught up in Cold War conspiracy.
“It feels like a departure for me, but that has made it feel fresh and fizzy. I’ve had to work hard but it has really paid off. I have learnt the rules of a thriller, but added my own blend of heart and soul,” she reveals.
While it would be impossible to recreate Hitchcock’s cinematic visual style on stage, she confesses “it's been a blast having a try”. She and award-winning designer Rob Howell have attempted to honour Hitchcock while never imitating or parodying him.
“Rob has designed an amazing set, with moving pieces, that bend your mind - just like the film. We are being very creative with doors, suitcases, telephones and newspapers. But don’t ask how we recreate Mount Rushmore – that will have to remain a secret,” she says.
When working on an adaptation she doesn’t worry about balancing the original material with her artistic voice. She loves the film and “will never knowingly do this precious material harm”. The film still exists, so for those who love the story in its purest form, it remains untouched.
What she has loved has been using her theatre skill to find new ways to tell the story and reveal the characters in a new light. The bad guys are more three-dimensional and she has added some historical perspective the film couldn’t have had.
“It’s very hard to deviate too far from the film," she admits, "as the plot is so intricate and every scene matters. But this is theatre, so it will feel very different - I hope in a good way.
"I have brought my signature storytelling lens, and a chorus that takes us through this fiendish plot with lots of surprises and humour.
“It’s been one of the hardest challenges of my career, but so worth it. I like to imagine Hitchcock himself would approve.”
North by Northwest is a Wise Children, York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse co-production. After York it moves to HOME (April 29-May 10) and Liverpool Playhouse (May 20-24).
More info and tour links here