This is a somewhat radical adaptation of the book and the film, with a cast of four playing multiple roles, and such magnificent sets as a step ladder representing the Forth Bridge. It is a delightful and thoroughly entertaining bit of silliness, and performed with the necessary skill to bring off one actor playing three parts in the same scene, and just the right level of hamming it up. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and my thirteen-year-old and other kids in the audience were also entertained. A good show if you feel like fun, and also somewhere for young people to find out that theatre isn't all about million dollar sets and stars.

Incidentally, I think the real show to teach young people about theatre is "The Woman in Black," as it demonstrates how atmosphere can be created from a minimal set and cast, yet remains very accessible.

Sara Levene
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I went to The 39 Steps yesterday (23rd January 2007) and it was brilliant - very inventive. The two 'clowns' were very talented and if you look closely, you could even see Alfred Hitchcock making his usual cameo appearance. I sat in the third row of the stalls and I have to say that my neck did hurt after a while.
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Wednesday 24th January 2007, to "The 39 Steps" at the Criterion.

There are many dramatic techniques. One is to dazzle the audience with a 20-piece orchestra and a cast of thousands. Another (and for obvious reasons a more popular one:-) is to display your skill in presenting an epic story with minimal resources. Patrick Barlow (more usually with his National Theatre of Brent) is a master of such, and his version of Buchan's story is reliably ingenious and witty. Charles Edwards plays the square-jawed, pipe-smoking hero to perfection. The three actors who play everything else give excellent support.

One or two jokes maybe are pushed a little too hard, and a little too long. The show lacks a real 'coup de theatre' (remember the carnival in "Travels With My Aunt"?) But it's all great fun, and I'm delighted (for once) to be able to congratulate the sound designer (Mic Pool) for music and effects that enhanced the show, and were at appropriate volume.
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Want to have a happy night out in London theatre? Than head on to "39 Steps" (and take this awful lot of steps down to Criterion Theatre at Piccadilly Circus!). 4 actors do whatever has to be done to play this comedy /prize-winner / thriller / play and its dozens of roles / parts.

This play with all its wit (and nonsense) fits very well to the wonderful Victorian place, which the Criterion is. But be aware: Unfortunately even our seats are taking part in this play. Their awful noise by every spectators' slightest move spoils some of the fun. One wonders about the management's idea about such ruin and the enjoyment ruining seats.

P., Germany
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Have to admit that I do like a good comedy so when I saw the advert for "The 39 Steps" I booked tickets for 28th August 2007.

Our seats (Stalls E18 and E19) gave a good view of the stage and provided adequate legroom.

This play provides so much fun for the audience through the actors great comic performances, and the clever use of both props and sound.

It's obvious the style has been lovingly taken from 30's British films but that's what gives the play it's charm and fun.

For an evening of hilarity go and book a ticket for "The 39 Steps" you won't be disappointed.
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I saw this production when London had it’s last tube strike (Tuesday 4th September 2007) and it was pretty much sold out when I booked – I was surprised at just how many people still struggled to get there for the 8pm curtain up. I’m so glad I made the effort as I was in such a glum mood as I had to watch it alone as my husband just couldn’t make it in time, that I was laughing within 30seconds. It is so hammy and the characters really play to the audience. With it being an intimate theatre (I was in row M in the stalls and still had a comfy view) they don’t require microphones like in the larger West End theatres so it adds to the theatre experience.

You forget that there are only 4 characters and when they change from one to another before your eyes you seem to accept it and in some parts gasp at the choreography of the production to pull it off so damn well – there were a few instances of sudden applause at the genius of it. It’s a joy to see, very very funny and a real pick me up. I thoroughly recommend it to all ages.

Jackie Bassom,
London
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A friend and I went to the Tuesday matinee of this (8th January 2008), having taken advantage of a £10 ‘best available’ ticket offer. We had seats A22 and A23 in the Dress Circle, which had adequate legroom (friend 5’ 8”) and an excellent view.

39 Steps has quite a short running time (an hour and 45 minutes, including the interval), but is well worth going to. It is funny, fast-paced, much enhanced by brilliant sounds effects and smart stage management and generally good entertainment. We laughed non-stop, as did most of the audience. A pity the house was not fuller, but even so, it’s a delight to go to this gem of a little theatre.
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We got tickets through an offer in July 2008. Stalls, K 12 and 13. Good seats, dead centre; a perfect view of everything. This play was brilliant—especially if you’ve seen the original Hitchcock movie. You really appreciate the skill and timing of the 4 characters. The Criterion Theatre is marvellous, but there are seats I wouldn’t want to sit in. Best to check which ones have restricted views before purchasing them.

B
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I went to see "The 39 Steps" after seeing a half-price offer in "The Metro" newspaper (the one off the train). The seats were great - central to the stage about 10 rows back. I was a little worried as I'm rather short, but the view was okay as long as a giant wasn't sitting in front of me.

The play itself is quite short, but it was hilarious - some parts were very tongue in cheek! I didn't stop giggling nearly the whole way through, it was such good fun. The actors obviously have tremendous fun playing it as even they had to stop themselves corpsing a couple of times!

I also thought the theatre was rather nice. Deep under the ground and very old, you could sometimes hear the tube rattling above you. To me, it just added to the magic and the period of the play (you'll see why if you go)!
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Went to the performance of "The 39 Steps" on Wednesday 20th August 2008 courtesy of the '2 for 1 deal' run through the National Trust (thank you National Trust).

This is the second time that I have seen this play after seeing it last year and although last year's performance was brilliant, the performance I went to on Wednesday topped it. Jo Stone-Fewings was excellent as the stiff upper lipped Richard Hannay and Josefina Gabrielle complimented him perfectly in her three roles as Annanbella Schmidt, Margaret and Pamela.

As with the performance that I went to see last year, Nigel Betts and Alan Perrin deserve a lot of the plaudits for pulling off the number of roles that they do - heaven help the understudy when they need him.

"The 39 Steps" does have it's tongue firmly planted in cheek in the manner of the Michael Palin series, "Ripping Yarns", but it does so whilst remaining true to Hitchcock's original film vision.

I heartily recommend the play for anyone who likes their plays spiffing with a nod and a wink to the audience.
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20th August 2008: I saw this production last year and wasn't too sure about revisiting it due to my disappointment after revisiting 'The Woman In Black' last year.

I needn't have worried though as the play is still superbly funny and I even noticed some slight differences so I assume the actors are given some room to improvise when needed.

I sat in the centre of Row F in the Stalls, this view was just fine as I had an unblocked view of the stage and was able to enjoy the play.
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I went to see 'The 39 Steps' on 7th February 2009 for the matinee. This is the fifth play I have seen in the West End (if you called 'Into the Hoods' a play that is). I didn't know what to expect. I'd seen a little bit of the old cast perform at 'West End LIVE,' and have wanted to see it ever since. Then, in December I watched the BBC drama version (which I must say, is only slightly similar to the play). So I was prepared and excited.

The theatre is quite small, and as soon as you walk into the theatre you are in a tiny foyer. Rather warm and cheerful though. Could get a bit too crowded when everyone comes in. Fortunately it is a small theatre, and people come over an hour period to avoid crowding. We went downstairs to the bar area for the Dress Circle. It's a rather glamorous place, I felt like I was in a palace. The excitement was building up.

When they announced the auditorium was open, we immediately went inside. We sat in the Dress Circle, Row D seats 6 and 7. Although we paid less than half the price, thanks to Ticketmaster (offer), I personally wouldn't have minded paying full price for these. The legroom is very small, but the chairs are comfortable. The view is outstanding. I was worried about the pillars, but they are so small, that neither of us had an obstructed view at all! It was quite a charming place to sit, you could see everything in pure detail (on stage, and around the theatre). I would sit here anyday.

The show being a comedy, is worth the price. It is so funny, I almost fell out my seat at one point. I loved every little bit of it, and was laughing from start to finish. It lives up to the awards it's won. Alan Perrin and Nigel Betts the two characters who multi-role are hilarious. Perrin's quiet character was unreal, yet hilarious! And Nigel Betts managed to play so many funny roles I can't pick one as a favourite. Jo-stone Hewings who plays Hannay the whole way through, kept the audience with interest and laughs as the story progressed. Tessa Churchard as the 3 main women of the play, was hilarious in every single role. Her characters were definitely the funniest. Especially 'Annabella Schmidt' and 'Pamela'. I think the storyline is easy to follow, but if you did get lost (especially at the constant multi-roling every 2 seconds) it just would add to the amusement of the play. Highlights of the play are definately the curtain call for Annabella Schmidt, on the train (love the simple way they change the set to make a train, car etc.), the unexpected twist end of Act 1, beginning of Act 2 and the ending! Some classic liners, some classic sets, a feel good show.

Everyone should see this show, even Theatremonkey. I'm definitely going to go again soon with my dad, because it's a show for all the family. You'll have the laugh of your life!
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A spare Tuesday afternoon (14th July 2009) - I decided to see something that had been running for a while! With the help of the monkey's special offer page, I got Stalls F17-18 at £22.50 each with no booking fee. Perfect seats with a full view of the stage.

But the show was awful. It felt really second rate and, surprisingly, not at all funny. Perhaps this was because of the audience. They were a rowdy lot, more concerned about eating than seeing the show. One woman next to me opened a packet of prawn cocktail crisps just before the start - how antisocial! Then she ate an ice cream at the interval and pulled out a tube of Pringles before the start of the second half. There were also a lot of noisy school groups - some talking throughout the show, giving a running commentary of what they thought of it. So maybe the show would have been better if it wasn't a mid week matinee.

So I wouldn't recommend it, especially not at full price. But if you do want to go, I suggest avoiding the mid week matinee.
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Saw an offer through Theatremonkey in September 2009 to go see 'The 39 Steps' for £19.50 (normally top price) which I really couldn't turn my nose up at. The Criterion Theatre is a basement venue with a very small and cramped auditorium which, although pretty quaint, is not my favourite; it has to be said. We were wedged into M11 and 12 which were dead centre of the row towards the back of the stalls. It seems that there is no rake, but the seats were staggered - which helped, as I had to look between two very large heads. The seats were pretty comfy, it has to be said, but partly because once you were in them there was no way you were moving again. It was almost like I was vacuum packed...lol.

The show itself was very, very good and acted to perfection. It's a show that takes the mick out of itself. I loved the way the four actors (the only actors) move the sets and props themselves, normally to great effect, which raises a few laughs too. The main lead was played by John Hopkins - who I recognised from Midsummer Murders (John Nettles's Sergeant). He was extremely good and played it brilliantly.

The show was pretty short though, with each half being just about 45 minutes. It didn't start 'til 8pm and we were out of there by 21.45; so I wouldn't have wanted to have paid much more than the £19.50 for the evening. I think the usual price would have made it feel slightly overpriced for what you would have got in return.

Overall a nice evening and the show is well worth a visit, but look out for bargains first. If you're sat in the stalls and you are 6' then leave your legs at the box office before you enter... you will then have a much more comfortable evening.
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We first saw this at the beginning of 2008, and I have to say that nearly two years on it has lost none of it's fun at the evening show on 5th December 2009.

The whole thing is totally silly from start to finish, and this appeals to my sense of humour completely. The 4 cast members are all excellent, and between them manage to portray almost every detail of this story in one way or another. Another highly recommended.
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I sat in stalls E11 which I got at a reduced price. This is a small, pretty theatre and E11 is an excellent seat. I wouldn't like to sit further forward as it's a rather 'shouty' performance. There is almost no rake at the front and the seats aren't staggered here so someone tall in the row in front would cause a problem. The seats also seem to be strangely noisy, and if half a dozen people choose to re-settle at the same time it is a bit distracting! The air conditioning is good and by London standards the seats and leg room are reasonable.

The show is a rather unsubtle send up of the original, but is great fun if you know what to expect. The couple beside me did rather take the edge off the performance by declaring loudly after ten minutes 'oh, it's a comedy' and then proceeded to explain the jokes to each other with resultant delayed laughter. Ah well, that's the west end for you. You'll like this if you are a fan of English farce. Don't go if you are a devotee of the subtler points of Hitchcock productions.

Tom
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Ate afternoon tea at the Criterion restaurant next door beforehand, and it was excellently grand, well worth the price. I lounged there until 3.50pm and then strolled into the theatre with 5 minutes to spare, luxurious.

Sat in stalls B5 and 6 to see "The 39 Steps" at the Criterion Theatre. Although these seats weren't at the time listed in the theatremonkey list of restricted seats, they are permanently £22.50 because of the restricted view. Sitting in the seats and looking directly forward you are looking at a wall; seat 6 is where the wall ends so that was the better seat.

In seat 5 I couldn’t see about 10% of the action, and at the scene in the hotel lobby which is at the far right of the stage I could hardly see anything. My wife, who was in seat 6, had no such problem. Some of the action also takes back at the far right back of the stage which is impossible to see from seat 5.

The saving grace is that row A ends at seat 5 so seat 5, 4 and 3 have acres of leg room, albeit with a side view. For 90% of the show though the view is superb, and well worth the £22.50 instead of £47.50 ticket price. The theatremonkey seating plan is slightly wrong as seat B4 has no seat in front of it (not wrong, just unable to show it for technical reasons - editor).

The show itself was to be frank, excellent. All the roles were acted with such energy and the comedy timing was beat perfect. The set dressing and out of view stagehand (which I could see from seat 5) worked non stop! The role changing was handled with aplomb with up to 10 characters on the stage at once via different voices and hats. Vehicle and slow motion scenes were acted tongue in cheek and just worked, and I was glued to my bright pink velour seat the whole show.

In fact with the seat colour, carpet and wall paint I always feel like I’m sitting in some one’s lounge at the Criterion! Anyway, "The 39 Steps" was a welcome break from musicals, and has got me looking at other comedies.
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Show review:
Very light and silly, but enjoyable, and fine for children over 8.

Seat opinion:
We sat in Upper Circle row B, 21 to 23 (£25 from Ticketmaster) for a Saturday matinee. It was very full. Good value we thought; decent legroom (I'm 5'11") and a good view even for my 10 year-old, albeit through the gaps between the heads in row A - only a problem if they leaned forward. There were no seats behind us so we could have sat on a coat or bag for extra height if we'd needed to!

Simon
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