Patrick Barlow

Patrick Barlow is a British actor, playwright, and comedian best known for his wildly successful stage adaptation of The 39 Steps, a comic tour-de-force that has become a staple of modern theatre. With a background in comedy and a flair for theatrical innovation, Barlow has built a career blending farce, satire, and clever storytelling across stage, screen, and radio.

Born on March 18, 1947, in Leicester, England, Barlow began his career in comedy, gaining recognition as the creator and performer of the fictional character Desmond Olivier Dingle, the self-important head of the “National Theatre of Brent.” Through this persona, Barlow produced a series of highly entertaining, historically themed shows for stage, radio, and television, which gained a cult following for their mix of absurdity, intelligence, and theatrical parody.

Barlow’s breakthrough as a playwright came with his 2005 adaptation of The 39 Steps, based on John Buchan’s novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s film. His version reimagines the spy thriller as a fast-paced, comic play for four actors portraying over 100 roles. Premiering at the West Yorkshire Playhouse before transferring to London’s West End and Broadway, the play won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy and became a global sensation, praised for its inventiveness, physical comedy, and theatrical ingenuity.

In addition to The 39 Steps and his National Theatre of Brent projects, Barlow has acted in numerous television shows and films, including Shakespeare in Love, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Nanny McPhee, often bringing his distinctive comic sensibility to supporting roles.

Patrick Barlow’s work is beloved for its wit, theatrical playfulness, and celebration of the imaginative power of live performance. Through both his original creations and adaptations, he has earned a lasting place in the landscape of British comedy and contemporary theatre.