Overview

Synopsis

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have the intriguing, thrilling, riotous and unmissable comedy. The show hurtles a notorious fugitive and a spellbound blonde from a London music hall north by northwest to Scotland’s most remote highlands. Will they save Britain from a den of devious spies? A cast of four actors plays over 150 characters in this fast-paced tale of an ordinary man on an extraordinarily entertaining adventure. The 39 Steps contains every single legendary scene from the award-winning movie — including the chase on the Flying Scotsman, the escape on the Forth Bridge, the first theatrical bi-plane crash ever staged and the sensational death-defying finale in the London Palladium.

Show Information

Book
Patrick Barlow
Based on the Play/Book/Film
The 39 Steps by John Buchan (1915 novel); The 39 Steps (1935 film)
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2005
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
England, Scotland, 1930s
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Concord Theatricals
Ideal For
Community Theatre, College/University, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Richard Hannay

Lead

Male

Spoken

Pamela/Annabella/Margaret

Lead

Female

Spoken

Clown 1

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Clown 2

Lead

Male

Spoken

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Parody

    Parody is a comedic imitation of a style, genre, or work that exaggerates its features for humorous or satirical effect. In theatre, it playfully mocks conventions, characters, or cultural icons while still relying on audience recognition of the original. Parody can both celebrate and critique its subject, often blurring the line between homage and ridicule.

Videos

Quizzes

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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