39 Steps

Synopsis

The 39 Steps is famous for appearing in various different forms across the last century, from novel to film and then eventually to the stage of the Criterion Theatre in the West End, where it has been playing for much of the last decade. It is a classic and iconic story and one that audiences continue to relish every time it makes it to the stage, with a compelling plot guided by twists and turns. It is no wonder that it remains so firmly in place at the Criterion, where no end seems to be in sight and where theatre tickets remain hugely popular.

The story focuses on Richard Hannay (portrayed by Robert Donat in the original Alfred Hitchcock movie) and the quest he embarks on to clear his name after a huge misunderstanding. Living with a spy, his life is turned upside down when she is murdered and all the fingers point at him. Her dying words mention the ’39 steps’ but he knows he must go on the run, after all he knows that her apartment was being monitored, and so he must flee and clear his name before he’s caught up. But to get to the bottom of this he may have to find an abundance of answers, including the mystery behind the mentioned ‘39 steps’.

But the story, as the famous 1935 Alfred Hitchcock movie, is also well known for various set-pieces, which the producers of the show have been eager to ensure remain intact onstage. These include the famous encounter on the Forth Bridge and a chase onboard the famous steam engine the Flying Scotsman.

It was originally told as a 1915 novel by John Buchan, who also penned various other books during his time, including “Prester John”, “The Three Hostages” and “Salute to Adventurers”, amongst others. He is also known because he was the Governor General of Canada in the late 1930s and took on many high profile and important jobs.

But with “The 39 Steps” he created his most beloved work and it has been adapted on many occasions for the screen, in the 1950s and in the 2000s since the Alfred Hitchcock original. Then the stage version premiered in 2005 at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, before making its appearance at London’s Tricycle Theatre, before finally arriving at the Criterion.

And it is the Criterion Theatre that it remains to this day and looks set to see well into the new decade.

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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