IT is testament to the shrewd comedic flair of The 39 Steps that, even having seen it twice, I still headed back to the theatre for thirds.

Over the years, the finely-tuned farce has acquired something of a cult status in our household, chiefly thanks to my partner’s spontaneous re-enactments of the play (assuming a sort of Oompa-Loompa stance and bawling ‘Mister Memorrrrry’ before recovering his senses – until the next time). It would have been sacrilegious to pass up on the Olivier Award-winning comedy’s 10th anniversary tour.

Based on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 movie and John Buchan’s 1914 spy thriller The 39 Steps follows the adventures of accidental hero Richard Hannay. The debonair hero (impressively brought to life by Richard Ede) with typical British gung-ho and neat pencil moustache bumps into a German agent at a West End show. She reveals she has uncovered a plot to steal vital British military secrets. When she is murdered Hannay is falsely accused of her murder and sets off for the Highlands to foil the conspiracy, with Scotland Yard and a slew of assassins in hot pursuit.

More than just a slapstick farce, this comedy has more gags than you can shake a stick at. It is a tightly crafted gem, fast-paced, surprising and tremendously sharp. The show takes many a dig at the inability of stage productions to create believable effects. Instead this production employs tactics such as miniature trains, floating windows and shadow-puppets to recreate Hannay and his love interest’s frantic race against time, with imaginative and humourous references to other Hitchcock films dropped in for good measure.

A myriad of hat swaps indicate changes of character from just four actors who jump between roles seamlessly – costume, accent changes and all. The 39 Steps is a feat few actors could tackle without breaking a sweat or getting horribly muddled. Masters of physical comedy, the foursome never cheapen the story or become soulless, one-dimensional clowns.  Olivia Greene is a flawless as she effortlessly portrays in turn a glamourous German spy, brow-beaten farmer’s wife and the belligerent Pamela, embroiled in Hannay’s risky operation against her will.

From human bogs and assassins to lingerie peddlers and nosy B&B owners, dynamic duo Andrew Hodges and Rob Witcomb, who play so many characters it is hard to keep track, are wonderful chameleons. They usher the play along with remarkable dexterity and baffling energy.

The 39 Steps is a cracking comedy, unlike anything else on the stage at present. Blissfully chaotic, the show is a riot – even the third time around.

The 39 Steps is on at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday. – Marion Sauvebois