'It's an absolute thrilling romp'

Best-known as a 1959 film starring Cary Grant, North By Northwest is coming to Bath's Theatre Royal thanks to acclaimed director Emma Rice, who chats to JEFFREY DAVIES about this Hitchcock classic

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the war as well. And, of course, right at the centre of North By Northwest, is the amazing visit to the United Nations. So I think it really speaks, without being heavy-handed because it is really an absolute dashing story, there's a lot of parallels to learn about what is the price of peace and what threats there are out there,” Emma said, adding that she enjoyed the challenge of bringing this major production to the stage.

"I've loved the challenge and I think we've done really well. I would say the biggest headache was Mount Rushmore which is how you get height. It’s really technical. But we have managed it Jeffrey.”

This production also features what's described as a ‘fabulous soundtrack’

"Well it’s a remarkable soundtrack with several pieces of music from the time, shredded together by my composer Simon Baker. He’s made a fantastic set of '50s jazz grooves all the way through which has given it that real energy of the thriller which really ups the tension as well. There are songs you'll know and some you might not know. And some newly composed music,” a most engaging Emma enthused.

This is an adaptation. How close to the original big screen version is it?

"You will absolutely recognise North By Northwest. In some ways it’s even more loyal because I've used a lot of the stage directions from the screenplay because it was so beautifully written with such a massive sense of humour which I’m actually using in some of the narration so you get a real sense of that 1950s verve. The language is really gorgeous.