London's '39 Steps' Extends Run Through February 9

Patrick Barlow's comic Broadway-bound adaptation of John Buchan's The 39 Steps will extend booking through February 9, 2008, into its second year in the West End. Currently starring Jimmy Chisholm, Simon Gregor, Rachel Pickup and Robert Portal, The 39 Steps won both this year's Olivier Award and Whatsonstage.com Award for best new comedy.

Maria Aitken's acclaimed production, which features four actors playing over 150 roles, has been playing to sell-out houses at the Criterion since transferring from the Tricycle Theatre. Prior to a Broadway run, The 39 Steps is scheduled to play at the Huntington Theatre in Boston, MA, September 14th—October 21st.

Press releases state, "Best known as Hitchcock's 1935 thriller and based on a book by John Buchan, The 39 Steps has been playing sell-out shows at the Criterion since transferring from the Tricycle Theatre. Patrick Barlow's comedic adaptation contains every single scene from Hitchcock's movie, including the first theatrical bi-plane crash ever staged and the well-known 'stockings and suspenders' scene."

The 39 Steps features set designs by Peter McKintosh, lighting design by Ian Scott, sound design by Mic Pool, and movement by Toby Sedgwick. 

The 39 Steps is currently booking through February 8 at the Criterion Theatre, Picadilly Circus, London SW1. Performances are Monday through Saturday at 8 PM, with Matinees Tuesdays at 3 PM and Saturdays at 4 PM. For tickets, call the box office at 0870-060-2313.

Photo of Rachel Pickup and Robert Portal by Shaun Webb