The 39 Steps
Clever, very funny, imaginative and brilliantly acted!
The Guardian
Why see The 39 Steps?
The Olivier Winning Comedy
A tour-de-force of stage acting, with just four talented cast members creating over 139 characters in just 100 minutes flat, don't miss this award-winning production of The 39 Steps! Adapted by Patrick Barlow and based upon Alfred Hitchcock's spy thriller of the same name, enjoy a thrilling comedy that follows our hero Richard Hannay as he's pursued by a plethora of villains after a woman is found murdered in his London flat.
One actor plays our hero, Richard Hannay, and another his three love interests, leaving the other 135 characters to the two remaining cast members, which often needs to occur with lightning-fast costume and accent changes. Alongside their impeccable comedic timing, ordinary props and effects are ingeniously used to help recreate some of the film's most vivid scenes including the chase scene on the Flying Scotsman and the bi-plane crash.
What Is The Story?
Richard Hannay is effortlessly smooth, enviably calm and collected and very, very British. But he has a problem... a beautiful woman has been murdered in his apartment and not only is he innocent, but he doesn't even know who she is! He flees London to the Highlands of Scotland, determined to uncover the real culprit is. Chased by the police and by the woman's killers, he must solve the mysterious '39 steps' in order to get to the bottom of this horrendous crime - and prove his innocence!
Clever, Creative And Heaps Of Fun!
This madcap stage adaptation of Hitchcock's spy film leaves nothing out - a particularly impressive feat considering that most of the past-paced, on-stage stunts and hijinks are the work of the four cast members themselves! The play's 'homemade' special effects only enhance the audience's enjoyment however, adding to the play's comedy in a refreshingly self-aware way.
Like Hitchcock's original film, The 39 Steps appeals to fans of vintage spy films and film noir, and those seeking to be impressed by a night of perfectly timed, highly imaginative theatre will definitely be satisfied!
Awards
2003 Olivier Awards
Best New Comedy
Reviews
Our review
Hilarious, Clever, Creative!
Somehow it manages to combine spies, shadow puppets, death-defying feats of escape and not so staggering special effects. For some reason it really works...
Scarlet Fleetwood
Customer reviews
Hazel
Fantastic
Daniele
Brilliant
Anonymous
mr memory