Showing at Derby Theatre from Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 24 October, the production will then transfer to Hull Truck Theatre from Wednesday 21 October to Saturday 14 November.
THE 39 STEPS is a fast, funny and brilliantly inventive comedy thriller set to delight audiences in Derby and Hull. Inspired by John Buchan’s classic novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic film, this fast-paced adventure races through daring escapes, clever disguises and unexpected twists.
Directed by Cal McCrystal, Comedy Director for the award-winning One Man, Two Guvnors and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Don Quixote, and director of the Perrier Award-winning Mighty Boosh stage shows, this main house comedy production is packed with theatrical magic, promising an eclectic and entertaining night out for audiences.
(Cal McCrystal, Director of THE 39 STEPS):
“I am delighted to be returning to Derby Theatre and take this to Hull to direct Patrick Barlow’s brilliant play, The 39 Steps. I have a deep fondness for Derby Theatre as I first worked there as an actor in 1982, when I appeared in Happy As A Sandbag – my first job in repertory. I returned in 2003 to direct Joe Orton’s Loot, then Alan Bennett’s Kafka’s Dick in 2004 and Frank Marcus’s The Killing of Sister George starring Jenny Eclair in 2008.”
When the debonair Richard Hannay becomes entangled in a mysterious murder, he finds himself the prime suspect in a deadly conspiracy. With the police closing in and enemy agents on his trail, Hannay must flee to uncover the truth.
Four actors, to be announced, play over 130 characters in this stage adaptation taking audiences from the streets of London to the wild landscapes of Scotland, which transforms a classic spy story into a spectacular theatrical ride.
The 39 Steps is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.
Adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the novel by John Buchan
From the movie by Alfred Hitchcock
Licensed by ITV Global Entertainment
And an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon
Follow Us!
For more information and THE 39 STEPS updates, visit the Derby Theatre website here: The 39 Steps – Derby Theatre or follow us on social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube – @derbytheatre @hulltruck).
More information
Access Performances
BSL interpreted performances – Sat 10 Oct 2:30pm, Fri 16 Oct 7:30pm
Captioned performance – Wed 14 Oct 2:30pm, Fri 16 Oct 7:30pm
Audio described performances – Fri 9 Oct 7:30pm, Wed 14 Oct 2:30pm
Dementia Friendly Performance – Wed 7 Oct 2:30pm
Advisories
Age guidance 10+. This production contains mild threat, moments of suspense, stylised violence and comic depictions of peril.
About Hull Truck Theatre
Hull Truck Theatre is a pioneering theatre with a unique Northern voice, locally rooted, global in outlook, inspiring artists, audiences, and communities to reach their greatest potential. We produce and present inspiring theatre that reflects the diversity of a modern Britain and provide the resources, space, and support to grow people and ideas. We are an ambassador for our city, a flagship for our region and a welcoming home for our communities.
We are committed to our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, and Integrity.
Through our work with schools and local communities we engage with young people, disabled groups, and adults, offering opportunities to participate in the arts, whether as a first step into a career, a way to build confidence and meet new people, or as a part of a rounded education. Our ground-breaking Community Dialogues programme builds on long-term partnerships within Hull’s local communities to address inequalities in accessing the arts.
With the inspiring leadership of Mark Babych (Artistic Director) and Janthi Mills-Ward (Executive Director), the theatre is on the next stage of its exceptional journey, creating a vibrant 21st-century cultural organisation.
Hull Truck Theatre gratefully acknowledges support from Arts Council England and Hull City Council.