The Arts & Entertainment Company

Based on the classic 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, John Buchan's gripping whodunit is thrillingly adapted for the stage in this hugely imaginative romantic comedy thriller. Entertaining audiences since September 2006, this multi award winning production contains every legendary scene from Hitchcock's movie thriller - including the chase on The Flying Scotsman train, the escape on the Forth Bridge, the first theatrical bi-plane crash ever staged and the sensational death-defying finale in the London Palladium, as well as the memorable and controversial 'stockings and suspenders' scene.

The 39 Steps sees our dashing hero, Richard Hannay, stumble into a dangerous tale of cat and mouse from London to Scotland. Accused of murder by Scotland Yard, pursued by enemy agents and carrying a secret that could save King and country, Hannay must solve the mystery of The 39 Steps in order to acquit himself and stop a war. Yet the most trying part of the whole tale are the women he encounters, especially Pamela, his unwilling companion, to whom he ends up handcuffed during his daring escape across the moors. The entire rip-roaring adventure is delivered by a dynamic and hilarious cast of 4 Actors playing 139 characters in 100 minutes.

This hilarious 'whodunnit', based on an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon, is adapted by Patrick Barlow and directed by Maria Aitken with design by Peter McKintosh.

As of September 2010 The 39 Steps moves into its 5th year becoming the West End's longest-running comedy and has now played in 28 cities worldwide including Moscow, Shanghai, Tokyo, Paris as well as a US tour and on Broadway. It has also recently finished a successful second UK tour. The show also celebrated another significant milestone in August 2010 becoming the longest running consecutive show in the 136-year history of the Criterion Theatre.

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