Theatre synopsis: The 39 Steps (West End, London)
Theatre/Location: Criterion Theatre
218-223 Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Londo, W1V 9LB
Map to theatre (click here)
Synopsis by: Alexa Williamson
Based on the novel of the same name, this stunning thriller play is set in May and June 1914. Right before Europe begins World War 1, and with spies everywhere, Richard Hannay has just returned to London from Rhodesia in order to begin a new life, but his idyllic plan is interrupted when he meets freelance spy Franklin P Scudder who wants his help. Scudder reveals to Hannay that he has uncovered a German plot to murder the Greek Premier and steal British plans for the outbreak of war. He also claims to be following a ring of German spies called the Black Stone.
Going away for a few days, Hannay then returns to his flat to find Scudder murdered. Afraid to go to the police and be accused of Scudder’s murder, Hannay instead decides to continue Scudder’s work and his adventure begins. He evades German spies watching his house and goes to Scotland – with both spies and the police in pursuit. Meanwhile, the phrase “Thirty-Nine Steps”, first mentioned by Scudder, stays in Hannay’s mind and runs through the entire play as he tries to solve what it means to avert the assassinations planned.
Further information:
Criterion Theatre (official site)
