The college will perform The 39 Steps, adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan. Barlow adapted the script based on the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film.

Performing Arts co-ordinator and production director and designer Andrew Seeary said the challenge was putting the movie on stage with 12 actors playing 60 roles.

“The show is very characteristic of the work we do here in drama at Damascus. The challenge is to create a lot from very little, with a minimal set and costumes but a full sense of theatricality,” Mr Seeary said.

“Our intention within this production is to have a good time watching a great film re-enacted without the medium of film, the computer generation and a substantial budget.

“All we have is what we have always had, the enthusiasm of our students, the pizazz of good acting, the inventive staging and effects of a dedicated creative team and a healthy dose of imagination.”

Year 11 student Chiara Angeli plays one of the lead roles as Pamela Edwards. She said the production was a first for her.

“I have done a couple of shows here at Damascus but they have only been musicals as opposed to a straight play,” Chiara said.

“A lot of us do drama here. It’s a big part of our school.”

The 39 Steps is a fast-paced comedy that mixes a juicy spy story with a dash of Monty Python to create a clever action-thriller.

It will be held at the Valda Ward Auditorium at Damascus College from July 22 to 25 at 8pm, and July 25 at 2pm. Tickets:  www.damascus.vic.edu.au