THERE is quite a trend currently for films to be adapted for the stage but there have been few book-to-film-to-stage versions that are better or more entertaining than Patrick Barlow’s inventive and hilarious staging of the John Buchan classic thriller, The 39 Steps. This brilliant play opens the in-house production season at Salisbury Playhouse, running from Thursday 13th February to Saturday 10th March.

A co-production of Wiltshire Creative, Mercury Theatre Colchester and Octagon Theatre Bolton, The 39 Steps is directed by Ryan McBryde and designed by Libby Todd with a cast of four playing more than 150 characters.

Famously filmed by Alfred Hitchcock, Patrick Barlow’s stage adaptation won Olivier and Tony Awards and enjoyed a 10-year run in London’s West End.

Follow the dashing Richard Hannay (Mateo Oxley) as he embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with daring antics, romantic encounters and ghastly murders. Get set for a whirlwind of suspense, as the action sweeps you from the bustling streets of London to the remote Scottish Highlands.

Two of the cast are simply called Clown 1 and Clown 2 – expect to see them in so many different roles and different costumes, it will make your head spin. They are played by Danielle Bird and Phil Yarrow. Mei Mei Macleod plays Annabelle, Pamela and Margaret.

Ryan McBryde is familiar to Salisbury Playhouse and Wiltshire Creative audiences – he has previously directed Sleeping Beauty, Love On The Links, Before The Party, Beauty And The Beast, Cinderella, Aladdin and Jack and The Beanstalk.

Pictured: Mateo Oxley plays our hero, Richard Hannay.