The 39 Steps
The 39 Steps
With well over one hundred characters and peppered with chases, plane crashes and death-defying feats, John Buchan’s thriller novel The 39 Steps, made into a film by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935, seems an unlikely subject for adaptation to the stage. However, the Olivier Award-winning play The 39 Steps takes on this almost ridiculous challenge with theatrical ingenuity and a cast of just four supremely talented and tireless actors.
The 39 Steps is the incredible story of the imperturbable Richard Hannay, a man with a pencil moustache and a stiff upper lip. When Hannay discovers a mysterious female spy dead in his apartment he embarks on a daring dash from London to the Scottish Highlands in search of her killer.
Inspired in particular by Hitchcock’s rendition of the story, a version that John Buchan himself said was an improvement on his own, and including the first ever staged bi-plane crash, The 39 Steps is an inspired piece of theatre, entertaining as much for its story as for how this incredible yarn is brought inventively, whimsically and hilariously to life on stage.
Playing at London’s Criterion Theatre, its home since 2006, The 39 Steps is sure to please.
- Duration
2 hours including interval.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds available after purchase.
- Where Do I Go
Criterion Theatre Trust , 2 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 4XA
By Tube-Piccadilly Circus
Critic Reviews
The Guardian
Mar 30, 2013
Ludicrous and playful
The Times
Mar 1, 2013
A dizzy theatrical game played with wit and versatility
The Stage
Feb 28, 2013
Highly recommended
Reviews
Elainemck
Apr 10, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed the show...amazing what can be achieved with so little - intrigued? Go see the show!
Laura.palmucci
Apr 5, 2015
I saw the play with my son in Broadway six years ago and loved it. Now I offered a ticket to my other children and my daughter-in-law and I didn't regret it. I found as hilarious as I did then and they loved it too. The actors are excellent and play their multi roles well. A pleasant way to spend an evening.
Geoff
Feb 15, 2015
Didn't know what to expect as had seen film but this was very clever and kept us laughing throughout. Lovely old theatre added to atmosphere would definatly recommed loved it