After an incredible nine-year run in the West End, Olivier Award-winning comedy The 39 Steps has announced that it will close its Criterion Theatre doors in September 2015. Based on John Buchan’s classic 1914 spy thriller and Alfred Hitchcock’s subsequent film, The 39 Steps started its London life at the Tricycle Theatre in August 2006 before transferring to its current longstanding home at the Criterion Theatre in the autumn following. The much-loved comedy, which is one of the longest running plays in West End history, will be missed by its fans and audiences, following its closure on 5 September.
The production has a four-strong, fast-moving cast, which currently features Daniel Llewelyn-Williams, Kelly Hotten, Mike Goodenough and Gary Sefton, with the four actors taking on the production’s staggering 139 roles. Many well-known names have braved the Criterion's stage over the years the musical ran, delighting its audiences. Directed by Maria Aitken with designs by Olivier Award winner Peter McKintosh, The 39 Steps has been seen by a whopping three million people worldwide and has played the fifth highest number of performances in the entire history of West End plays.
The show was the winner of the 2007 Best New Comedy Award at the Olivier Awards with MasterCard, laying testament to the musical. The 100-minute theatrical extravaganza takes audiences on an adventure with handsome hero Richard Hannay as he encounters dastardly murderers, double-crossing agents and devastatingly beautiful women. The cast of the play are hugely talented, taking on so many roles and personas.
Prior to the production’s closure, The 39 Steps is taking part in the Kids Week Scheme, in which young people and their families can take advantage of inexpensive theatre deals to introduce new people to the magic of theatre.
Musical 'The 39 Steps' to close
After an incredible nine-year run in the West End, Olivier Award-winning comedy The 39 Steps has announced that it will close its Criterion Theatre doors in September 2015. Based on John Buchan’s classic 1914 spy thriller and Alfred Hitchcock’s subsequent film, The 39 Steps started its London life at the Tricycle Theatre in August 2006 before transferring to its current longstanding home at the Criterion Theatre in the autumn following. The much-loved comedy, which is one of the longest running plays in West End history, will be missed by its fans and audiences, following its closure on 5 September.
The production has a four-strong, fast-moving cast, which currently features Daniel Llewelyn-Williams, Kelly Hotten, Mike Goodenough and Gary Sefton, with the four actors taking on the production’s staggering 139 roles. Many well-known names have braved the Criterion's stage over the years the musical ran, delighting its audiences. Directed by Maria Aitken with designs by Olivier Award winner Peter McKintosh, The 39 Steps has been seen by a whopping three million people worldwide and has played the fifth highest number of performances in the entire history of West End plays.
The show was the winner of the 2007 Best New Comedy Award at the Olivier Awards with MasterCard, laying testament to the musical. The 100-minute theatrical extravaganza takes audiences on an adventure with handsome hero Richard Hannay as he encounters dastardly murderers, double-crossing agents and devastatingly beautiful women. The cast of the play are hugely talented, taking on so many roles and personas.
Prior to the production’s closure, The 39 Steps is taking part in the Kids Week Scheme, in which young people and their families can take advantage of inexpensive theatre deals to introduce new people to the magic of theatre.