Billed as a classic Alfred Hitchcock spy thriller meets Monty Python-style chaos, international sensation The 39 Steps is coming to Brisbane.
The comedy smash hit has wowed more than three million fans across 39 countries, headlining from West End to Broadway, and winning Olivier and Tony Awards in the process.
It’s a sharp and dangerous noir mystery, it’s a joyous comedy, and it’s a deep romance all rolled into one.
The suave but unsuspecting Richard Hannay is framed for murder and becomes tangled in a web of spies, secrets, and seductive strangers. To clear his name, he must outrun the law, outwit international agents, and survive a string of increasingly absurd adventures.
In just 100 minutes of non-stop action, four fearless actors play 130 roles in a dazzling display of quick costume changes, inventive stagecraft and high energy hilarity.
The Australian production is directed by Damien Ryan and stars Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, Sea Patrol, The King and I), Ian Stenlake (Sea Patrol, Stingers), and The Umbilical Brothers (David Collins and Shane Dundas).
“The 39 Steps is funny, suspenseful, celebrates everything theatre can do, is a beautiful piece for actors and lovers of storytelling and after so many years, it still just explodes in the imagination,” Mr Ryan said.
“I think it reaches us so powerfully because the spy is one of us.
“It’s not about a titanium-built ex-soldier cooly dismantling a global threat. It’s about a listless, restless everyman.
“He gets framed into an adventure that sees him have to escape his humble London apartment and go on an iconic journey, both through the big bad world and within himself.
“He finds love and courage and above all stands up against the surveillance state, political intrigue and a national betrayal.”
The 39 Steps runs from October 7-19 at the Playhouse, QPAC. Tickets go on sale today (May 22).
