THE 39 STEPS

2026 PLAY

The 39 Steps

Following the sell-out success of Come From Away in March, KATS are inviting audiences to step back in time to the glamour and intrigue of the 1930s as they proudly present The 39 Steps – a thrilling comedy packed with mystery, romance and adventure.

Based on the classic novel by John Buchan and inspired by the iconic 1935 Hitchcock film, this award-winning stage adaptation by Patrick Barlow tells the story of our unsuspecting hero Richard Hannay, who is suddenly swept into a world of spies and spectacular escapes.

Using super-speedy costume changes, ingenious staging and boundless energy, a cast of just four brave actors must create the entire Hitchcock film, live on stage. Together they portray more than 100 characters across multiple different locations in a mad-cap and imaginative theatrical rollercoaster.

With an original score, played live, sound effects created before your very eyes and moments of magical shadow puppetry, KATS talented creatives and technicians hope to capture the elegance, suspense and romance of the period.

Patrick Barlow’s brilliant adaptation treats the source material with genuine affection and never loses sight of the spirit of the original adventure. Themes of love, courage, loyalty and a desire to make the world a better place will still resonate with audiences today. As in all the best comedies, it’s not just about the mayhem.