The 39 Steps - Criterion Theatre
The story of “The 39 Steps” goes back almost a whole century, with the
first appearance of the tale told in the novel by John Buchan in 1915
and its second incarnation in the form of a movie by Alfred Hitchcock in
1935. Now it finds a new home on the stage, where the overall plot and
many of the iconic set pieces remain intact, allowing for a compelling
and exciting experience for all of those that witness “The 39 Steps” at
the Criterion Theatre in the West End.
The man behind the stage adaptation is Patrick Barlow whose work was
first seen with the show’s premiere at the West Yorkshire Playhouse back
in 2005. Then Maria Aitken stepped in and revised his script for its
arrival at the Tricycle, and then the Criterion Theatre. The show has
also appeared all over the world, picking up awards in locations from
its home in London to New York, Germany and beyond.
But what is the story of “The 39 Steps”? The play introduces us to the
character of Richard Hannay, whose life is turned upside down following
the murder of a spy with whom he is staying. Knowing that her apartment
was being monitored he is forced to go out on the run, hoping to prove
his own innocence before his trackers close in. But in order to get out
of this with his life intact, he must find answers to a series of
problems, including the mystery behind the 39 Steps, which were
mentioned to him by the spy just before her death.
What ensues is a series of extraordinary set pieces, from a chase aboard
the Flying Scotsman to an encounter on the Forth Bridge. Hannay travels
to Scotland, with the police in hot pursuit and a range of characters
coming into view that might be able to piece it all together.
As well as “The 39 Steps”, John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir, penned
many other novels, including “Prester John” in 1910, “Salute to
Adventurers” in 1915, “The Three Hostages” in 1924, “The Dancing Floor”
in 1926 and “Witch Wood” in 1927. As well as working as a novelist, he
also acted as the Governor General of Canada in the late 1930s and
penned propaganda works for the British during the Great War.
But it is “The 39 Steps” that truly stands out amongst his work and
whilst Alfred Hitchcock’s movie is the most iconic version, the stage
play has been honoured by a Laurence Olivier Award and two Tony Awards
in the West End and on Broadway. As a result, it is a hugely successful
and highly regarded production.
“The 39 Steps” is at the Criterion Theatre where it is currently booking
until Saturday 23rd October 2010.