39 Steps

Synopsis

The 39 Steps is a story that has resonated strongly within the British imagination.  Consistently remade and adapted within each time period, the UK loves to return to this tale of action and intrigue again and again.  It’s not entirely clear what it is about the story that makes it so compelling, but whatever special something this tale has, it has been enchanting readers and audiences alike for nearly a hundred years.

The original book was written by John Buchan in 1915, but perhaps the tale is best known in it’s stunning adaptation to cinema by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock.  The masterly director took Buchan’s story and infused it with all his characteristic atmosphere and tension.  The result means that this tale is not only a classic of literature, but one of film also.

With the advent of this new adaptation of ‘The 39 Steps’, it looks set to now become a masterpiece of farcical comedy as well!  For one thing can be sure: no matter how many versions of this classic work you’ve seen in the past, none will be quite like this new adaptation!

For Patrick Barlow’s reimagining mainly involves the lighter side of life.  The show’s main conceit is it’s attempt to play out an exact recreation of Hitchcock’ film.  Not so funny, you might think; but the catch is it’s performed with only four actors!  Between this talented quartet, the film’s extensive cast of strange characters are brought to life.  This approach to comic theatre creates something that is not only funny and exhilarating, but moreover acts as a sort of concerto for the skill of comedy acting: the performers must be quite incredible, and have almost boundless amount of energy, in order to carry out the various costume and character changes required of them. 

Rufus Wright has taken on the role of Richard Hannay, the great symbol of British understatement under pressure.  Laura Rogers plays the three ladies that he entertains amorous relationships with, whilst Sean Kearns and Dermot Canavan play everyone else: that is, over a hundred different roles, in order to flesh out the story!

The play’s energy and hilarity have gained it a great deal of critical acclaim, and it has won several awards.  These include the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience.  This is a great comedy you should certainly make time for.

Discounted Tickets

Venue Information

Criterion Theatre
Piccadilly Circus

W1J 9HS
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Directions

Take the Bakerloo or Piccadilly line to Piccadilly Circus station. The theatre is directly outside the station

Seating Plan