
A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE
The 39 Steps, Even More Abridged
Short Play, Comedy / 1w, 1m, 2 any gender (adult)
Adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the novel by John Buchan
From the movie by Alfred Hitchcock
Licensed by ITV Global Entertainment Limited
And an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon
New 40-minute adaptation! Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre. This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters (played by a cast of four), an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and some good old-fashioned romance!
Image: 2008 Roundabout Theatre Company Production (Joan Marcus)
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Cast Size
1w, 1m, 2 any gender (adult) -
Duration
40 minutes -
Subgenre
Farce, Adventure, Mystery/Thriller -
Suggested Use
- Competition or Audition Material
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Target Audience
Adult
Accolades
Winner! Two 2008 Tony Awards
Winner! 2008 Drama Desk Award, Unique Theatrical Experience
Winner! 2007 Laurence Olivier Award, Best New Comedy
Nominee: Six 2008 Tony Awards, including Best Play

Details
Summary
History
Cast Attributes
Performing Groups
- Time Period 1930s
- Setting
London, Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. 1935.
- Features Period Costumes
- Additional Features Physical Comedy
- Duration 40 minutes
- Cautions
- Gun Shots
Media
“Ingenious! A dizzy delight!” – Daily News
“Theatre at its finest... Absurdly enjoyable! This gleefully theatrical riff on Hitchcock's film is fast and frothy, performed by a cast of four that seems like a cast of thousands.” – The New York Times, Read More
“Ingenious! A dizzy delight!” – Daily News, Read More
“Riotous... marvelous!” – New York Post, Read More
“Rollicking Fun! Hugely Entertaining!” – Sunday Times
“A wonderful triumph of theatre!” – BBC Radio 4
ON BREAKING CHARACTER
20 Plays & Musicals for Spooky Season
Annette Storckman
September 27, 2019
Our Picks For The 2019/20 Season
Lawrence Haynes
January 7, 2019
Hitchcock, Monty Python & Spies: THE 39 STEPS
by Ryan Mcleod
October 7, 2015
39 STEPS Supports Red Nose Day
by Courtney Kochuba
May 13, 2015
39 STEPS Takes Over Samuel French’s Instagram
by Courtney Kochuba
April 29, 2015
Videos
The 39 Steps - NY Montage
The 39 Steps - Pamela's Stockings
The 39 Steps - Professor Jordan
The 39 Steps - Annabella's Demise
The 39 Steps - Hannay and the Traveling Salesmen
Photos
Image: 2008 Roundabout Theatre Company Production (Joan Marcus)
Licensing & Materials
- Minimum Fee: £40 per performance plus VAT when applicable.
Performance rights for this show are currently heavily restricted in the UK and Ireland. Please submit a licence request to determine availability