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The 39 Steps
John Buchan’s The Thirty-Nine Steps was the novel that introduced readers to the cunning Richard Hannay and became a foundational work in the spy-thriller genre. Taking place only months before the outbreak of World War One (and written during the conflict) it focuses on Hannay’s attempts to warn the government of an unfolding plot to steal Great Britain’s military plans. Throughout the book Hannay must escape from German spies and the British police, who falsely believe that he has murdered the very man who revealed the plot to him. The book would prove incredibly popular upon its release and has been cited as the first “man-on-the-run” style story which has been re-used in films in literature ever since. The novel itself has been adapted for the screen no less than four times.
106 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
3 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Barlow
18 books3 followersPatrick Barlow is an English actor, comedian and playwright. His comedic alter ego, Desmond Olivier Dingle, is the founder, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the two-man National Theatre of Brent, which has performed on stage, on television and on radio. Barlow is the scriptwriter, as well as lead performer, in many National Theatre of Brent productions, in particular All the World's a Globe (1987), Desmond Olivier Dingle's Compleat Life and Works of William Shakespeare (1995) and The Arts and How They Was Done (2007). In non-Theatre of Brent performances, he wrote and played in the 4-part situation comedy for radio called The Patrick and Maureen Maybe Music Experience which ran for four weeks from January 1999.
Patrick Barlow wrote a stage adaptation, Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps, which premiered in June 2005 at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. After revision, the play opened at London's Tricycle Theatre in August 2006, and after a successful run transferred to the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly in September 2006. The play has also been performed on Broadway since early 2008, in Australia by the Melbourne Theatre Company in April 2008. and in Wellington, New Zealand, by Circa Theatre in July/August 2009.
Patrick Barlow wrote a stage adaptation, Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps, which premiered in June 2005 at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. After revision, the play opened at London's Tricycle Theatre in August 2006, and after a successful run transferred to the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly in September 2006. The play has also been performed on Broadway since early 2008, in Australia by the Melbourne Theatre Company in April 2008. and in Wellington, New Zealand, by Circa Theatre in July/August 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 18, 2025
I read the abridged version in a table read, and it was such a fun experience! I especially enjoyed exploring the clownish characters and seeing how they might differ from one another.
My rating: 3 stars
————-
First read-through
Sep 8, 2025
Second read-through
Sep 12, 2025
Third read
Sep 18, 2025
امروز بالاخره نسخهی کامل این نمایشنامه رو خوندم و فهمیدم که توی نسخهی کوتاهشدهش، چقدر پیچ و مهرههای حیاتی داستان که نمایشنامه رو مثل یک بنای مستحکم کنار هم نگه میدارن، حذف شدن: روابط و داینامیکشون، شوخیها، و جزئیاتی که به یک روایت محض و خشک، رنگ و لعاب و عطر و طعم میدن. توی این نسخه، رابطهی پملا و ریچارد خیلی آهستهآهسته و نرمنرم ساخته میشه و خیلی ملموستر و قابل درکتره. الان شخصیتها رو خیلی بهتر میفهمم.
هرچند که نسخهی اصلیِ این نمایشنامه که یک رمان نوشتهی جان بوکان در سال ۱۳۱۵ بوده، از پایهگذاران سبک تریلر جاسوسی به حساب میاد و در دههی ۳۰ میلادی هم فیلمش توسط هیچکاک به عنوان یکی از پیشگامان این ژانر در سینما ساخته شده، اما به نظرم نسخهی نمایشیش از نظر ادبی چندان حائز اهمیت نیست (و میتونم بگم یک داستان کارگاهیِ زرد و سانتیمانتاله)، اما برعکسِ روی کاغذ، از نظر اجرایی میتونه نمایشنامهای حائز اهمیت، چالشبرانگیز و دیدنی بهحساب بیاد، از این نظر که تنها ۴ بازیگر، اجرای بیش از ۲۰ شخصیت متفاوت در طول نمایشنامه رو عهدهدار هستن (و گاهی یک بازیگر در یک صحنه، باید چند شخصیت مختلف رو اجرا کنه!).
من قراره چهار شخصیت از این نمایشنامه رو بازی کنم: پملا، جاسوس، خلبان، و مأمور قطار.
حالا حالاها قراره این نمایشنامه خونده بشه و این ریویو آپدیت بشه :))))
.
پ ن: اونجایی که ریچارد رو با سخنران مراسم انتخاباتیشون در اسکاتلند اشتباه میگیرن و ریچارد هم با آغوش باز میپذیره و خودشو جای اون فرد جا میزنه، هربار منو یاد «مرد هزار چهره»ی مهران مدیری میندازه! :))))
.
Forth Read-through
Sep 22, 2025
Fifth Read-Through
Oct 10, 2025
I spoke and heard all the lines in this play a million times during the rehearsal process, so much that I thought I was going to hate them all! 😄 Now that the production is over, I should admit that at first, yes, I enjoyed the play, but at the same time I was heavily judging it for being shallow, superficial, and Hollywood-y!! But as the production went on, and I saw it grow into a fun comedy, and witnessed how the lighting, sound, and costumes added to it, I started to hold it very dear to my heart.
Yes, it’s still not the deepest or most intellectual play I’ve read. It does have a simple plot, but it’s clever in its comedy, and thanks to its fast pace and sense of humor, the audience never gets bored (and honestly, who taught me that theatre must always be deep and intellectual?). This play changed me and my perspective a lot. It challenged me in every possible way. It gradually led me to believe that I can trust comedies too—that I don’t always need to quench my thirst for philosophical questions in theatre (or art in general) all the time, and that sometimes I can find them elsewhere. It taught me to let go, take it easy, and just have fun.
.
.
.
17 Nov 2025, watched a filmed production of the play directed by Todd Hjelt
My rating: 3 stars
————-
First read-through
Sep 8, 2025
Second read-through
Sep 12, 2025
Third read
Sep 18, 2025
امروز بالاخره نسخهی کامل این نمایشنامه رو خوندم و فهمیدم که توی نسخهی کوتاهشدهش، چقدر پیچ و مهرههای حیاتی داستان که نمایشنامه رو مثل یک بنای مستحکم کنار هم نگه میدارن، حذف شدن: روابط و داینامیکشون، شوخیها، و جزئیاتی که به یک روایت محض و خشک، رنگ و لعاب و عطر و طعم میدن. توی این نسخه، رابطهی پملا و ریچارد خیلی آهستهآهسته و نرمنرم ساخته میشه و خیلی ملموستر و قابل درکتره. الان شخصیتها رو خیلی بهتر میفهمم.
هرچند که نسخهی اصلیِ این نمایشنامه که یک رمان نوشتهی جان بوکان در سال ۱۳۱۵ بوده، از پایهگذاران سبک تریلر جاسوسی به حساب میاد و در دههی ۳۰ میلادی هم فیلمش توسط هیچکاک به عنوان یکی از پیشگامان این ژانر در سینما ساخته شده، اما به نظرم نسخهی نمایشیش از نظر ادبی چندان حائز اهمیت نیست (و میتونم بگم یک داستان کارگاهیِ زرد و سانتیمانتاله)، اما برعکسِ روی کاغذ، از نظر اجرایی میتونه نمایشنامهای حائز اهمیت، چالشبرانگیز و دیدنی بهحساب بیاد، از این نظر که تنها ۴ بازیگر، اجرای بیش از ۲۰ شخصیت متفاوت در طول نمایشنامه رو عهدهدار هستن (و گاهی یک بازیگر در یک صحنه، باید چند شخصیت مختلف رو اجرا کنه!).
من قراره چهار شخصیت از این نمایشنامه رو بازی کنم: پملا، جاسوس، خلبان، و مأمور قطار.
حالا حالاها قراره این نمایشنامه خونده بشه و این ریویو آپدیت بشه :))))
.
پ ن: اونجایی که ریچارد رو با سخنران مراسم انتخاباتیشون در اسکاتلند اشتباه میگیرن و ریچارد هم با آغوش باز میپذیره و خودشو جای اون فرد جا میزنه، هربار منو یاد «مرد هزار چهره»ی مهران مدیری میندازه! :))))
.
Forth Read-through
Sep 22, 2025
Fifth Read-Through
Oct 10, 2025
I spoke and heard all the lines in this play a million times during the rehearsal process, so much that I thought I was going to hate them all! 😄 Now that the production is over, I should admit that at first, yes, I enjoyed the play, but at the same time I was heavily judging it for being shallow, superficial, and Hollywood-y!! But as the production went on, and I saw it grow into a fun comedy, and witnessed how the lighting, sound, and costumes added to it, I started to hold it very dear to my heart.
Yes, it’s still not the deepest or most intellectual play I’ve read. It does have a simple plot, but it’s clever in its comedy, and thanks to its fast pace and sense of humor, the audience never gets bored (and honestly, who taught me that theatre must always be deep and intellectual?). This play changed me and my perspective a lot. It challenged me in every possible way. It gradually led me to believe that I can trust comedies too—that I don’t always need to quench my thirst for philosophical questions in theatre (or art in general) all the time, and that sometimes I can find them elsewhere. It taught me to let go, take it easy, and just have fun.
.
.
.
17 Nov 2025, watched a filmed production of the play directed by Todd Hjelt
January 19, 2018
Holy crap this is a beast of a show. Even just rereading the script is exhausting. I really wanna know which costumer broke Patrick Barlow's heart because, daaaamn. 2 actors playing over 250 separate parts is just plain mean.
The Greater Tuna boys and even the Reduced Shakespeare Company aren't that harsh on their production designers.
The dialogue is fun pastiche of Alfred Hitchcock's movie and the novel it was based on, stereotypes and posturing and ridiculousness--thankoo, right-ho and crikey--but the heart underneath, that horrific absurdity of war, is lost in the frantic how-did-they-do-that cheese of the two "clowns" who are barely more than a set dressing foil to the main characters.
The Greater Tuna boys and even the Reduced Shakespeare Company aren't that harsh on their production designers.
The dialogue is fun pastiche of Alfred Hitchcock's movie and the novel it was based on, stereotypes and posturing and ridiculousness--thankoo, right-ho and crikey--but the heart underneath, that horrific absurdity of war, is lost in the frantic how-did-they-do-that cheese of the two "clowns" who are barely more than a set dressing foil to the main characters.
May 7, 2020
The script of Patrick Barlow's hilarious award-winning adaption of John Buchan's "The 39 Steps".
I missed the chance to see it on stage but this book partly makes up for that as it describes how 4 actors (1 woman and 3 men) play a minimum of 139 roles with scenes which include the chase on the famous train - The Flying Scotsman, Richard Hannay's escape from police on the Forth Rail Bridge and the first theatrical bi - plane crash ever staged.
A fast read - it only took me a couple of hours - and great fun. Recommended for fans of the 1935 film version by Alfred Hitchcock who don't mind a gentle send up of the British stiff upper lip.
I missed the chance to see it on stage but this book partly makes up for that as it describes how 4 actors (1 woman and 3 men) play a minimum of 139 roles with scenes which include the chase on the famous train - The Flying Scotsman, Richard Hannay's escape from police on the Forth Rail Bridge and the first theatrical bi - plane crash ever staged.
A fast read - it only took me a couple of hours - and great fun. Recommended for fans of the 1935 film version by Alfred Hitchcock who don't mind a gentle send up of the British stiff upper lip.
August 19, 2024
God this play is a fever dream. So far I’ve read this play exactly one time, but by the end of September I’m sure I’ll have read this play at least 100 times. So many characters, such a wacky plot. I know I probably missed some details but hey, I’ll definitely be reading it again because I have to. But it’s okay, I’m not dreading rereading this play! So that’s good! 7/10 Might give this play a second review when my show closes, we’ll see!
May 28, 2025
(from “39 steps review for mr e”)
i like a lot of things about this play. i thought pretty much all of the jokes in it were pretty funny. not every comedy is good at being funny, but this one is. and that’s nice. the story is simple enough that the audience can focus on the jokes. i think its kind of weird how the script says its only supposed to be performed by ~4 actors. i know the Yellow Boat script was like that too. i don’t like that. the thing preventing this from being higher than an 8/10 is that this play feels like it has nothing to say. no message to push. maybe im just too woke.
favorite scene:
scene 33 (mr memory dies)
in conclusion…
would be a cool Fall Play next year 😉😉
edit:
reread this in class
now i understand what this play is trying to say
so that brings it up to a 10/10
lets go
and yes, this did end up being next year’s fall play
so, youre welcome everybody
i like a lot of things about this play. i thought pretty much all of the jokes in it were pretty funny. not every comedy is good at being funny, but this one is. and that’s nice. the story is simple enough that the audience can focus on the jokes. i think its kind of weird how the script says its only supposed to be performed by ~4 actors. i know the Yellow Boat script was like that too. i don’t like that. the thing preventing this from being higher than an 8/10 is that this play feels like it has nothing to say. no message to push. maybe im just too woke.
favorite scene:
scene 33 (mr memory dies)
in conclusion…
would be a cool Fall Play next year 😉😉
edit:
reread this in class
now i understand what this play is trying to say
so that brings it up to a 10/10
lets go
and yes, this did end up being next year’s fall play
so, youre welcome everybody
August 14, 2017
This was excellent. Not at all what I was expecting and I found a new favorite adapter. I looked more into Patrick Barlow at his two man theatre in the UK and love this. He was won several awards and after seeing one of his plays I can understand why. It was a four man production that should have consisted of over a dozen cast members, but the chaos and the obvious transitions between characters were hilarious. The entire audience was laughing constantly and held a standing ovation before the curtains had opened for the cast to bow. It was entertaining and an excellent escape to a busy world.
September 23, 2017
It reads dry and all comes down to execution, in both acting and directing. There are definite slow spots and the cast wholly must be top-notch to pull it off. Read the first act and then later saw show. Not impressed upon reading but there were bright spots in watching.
October 17, 2025
Suspenseful chase through the highlands of Scotland. Brilliant 'of-its-time' thriller.
November 14, 2015
An interestingly rauckus adaptation/parody of Hitchcock's film, itself based on John Buchan's novel. I have not read the novel, despite being quite interested in action/thriller/mystery/spy fiction from this era. Hitchcock's film is only the best-known of many film adaptations, by the way. This play brings in many references to other Hitchcock films, but more or less follows the plot line of the play, which I understand takes some liberties with the novel. Its campy treatment is entertaining, and a good production can liven it up. Unfortunately, the story's underlying pacing problems are still in existence. As with many Hitchcock films, I find this one to be on the slow side. That's more than made up for, for me, by Hitchcock's sure hand in building tension, but I can't ignore it. This adaptation replaces the tension with camp, and that obviously lightens things considerably, but it manages to reproduce the underlying problem: The encounters are repetitive. They're no less repetitive with camp filling the gaps than with jeopardy filling it.
Even so, it's a blast. Like I said, a good production can really tear up this mutha.
Even so, it's a blast. Like I said, a good production can really tear up this mutha.
December 18, 2017
People... When approaching a first reading of this play, it's worth remembering:
This is a play. Its NOT a novel. It's the blueprint , not the house!!! Also, it's not Tennessee Williams. It's a farce of monumental physical dexterity!
Lighten up , guys! The vast majority of the play's comedy is derived from its pace and physical blocking which make the piece so legendary. Whilst key blocking is described, the script , content-wise, is a little dry , though there are moments of well-written rapid fire interchanges which make for great standalone dialogue . Nice to see some veiled and not so veiled references to both Hitchcock's original screenplay and the original novel. All I can say is read it, digest it, watch a well-directed version of the play and THEN decide whether or not it was your cup of tea. It was definitely mine!
This is a play. Its NOT a novel. It's the blueprint , not the house!!! Also, it's not Tennessee Williams. It's a farce of monumental physical dexterity!
Lighten up , guys! The vast majority of the play's comedy is derived from its pace and physical blocking which make the piece so legendary. Whilst key blocking is described, the script , content-wise, is a little dry , though there are moments of well-written rapid fire interchanges which make for great standalone dialogue . Nice to see some veiled and not so veiled references to both Hitchcock's original screenplay and the original novel. All I can say is read it, digest it, watch a well-directed version of the play and THEN decide whether or not it was your cup of tea. It was definitely mine!
January 13, 2016
2.5 stars. This play, based on the Hitchcock film of same name, was nominated for Tony award. I've been told by friend that saw it on Broadway that it was amazing, etc. The concept I believe would be visually astounding to see on stage however, reading it doesn't do it justice. Full of slapstick, gimmicks, sight gags. It's been a while since I've seen the movie but parts of it were coming back to me as I read it. The play's script has been modified to allow 4 actors to play all the roles. There are a few references to some of Hitchcock's other films.
January 7, 2013
This was a quick funny read. It is a potboiler pulp fiction novel turned into a very good movie turned into a hilarious play. Four actors play dozens of parts with minimal sets and props. The script does not fully capture the magic of the onstage performance because so much of the action is impromptu physical humor. Still, with a little imagination and a quick youtube search, I think you can quickly grasp the possibilities for onstage production. Fun.
December 11, 2022
I loved the detective sleuthing in this book. Recently I have stumbled upon authors that are not recent and the difference in writing style, word choice, and plot line are worlds apart. The plots are well thought out, are different than any other book, make use of the English language instead of a very limited vocabulary, and don't have the need to use foul language or a lot of blood and guts, rape, women needing to show power in the workforce, etc.
I recommend this book. 👍
📚
I recommend this book. 👍
📚
October 12, 2012
I got this book online. Expected it to be the novel of John Buchan. This is an adaptation for stage. Enjoyed it though. I saw the Hitchcock movie, so while reading I saw the actors in it. The play is very funny. It really makes want to see it in an actual theatre. No chance in Belgium, I'm afraid.
Very enjoyable. Still want to read the novel.
Very enjoyable. Still want to read the novel.
May 14, 2018
A quick paced story was written has a play that told a story about spies and a race to secret information. I thought the book was fun to read but hard to keep track of what was happening. You would like this book if you like spy novels. I think the theme of this book is that always look in the place it might not be.
October 15, 2015
Yet another play not for me. I couldn't get through it. It's just not engaging to me. The performance may be better than the read. I'm still out here chasing
Angels in America
. It still stands as the best play I've ever read.
October 19, 2018
Wonderful, zany production!
(Denver Center Theatre Company 2010)
(Denver Center Theatre Company 2010)
May 19, 2012
Hilarious! I saw the play first (which I think played a big part in my opinion), but the script gives a taste of the genius and fun-poking of the play!
October 24, 2012
I am currently stage managing this show. It is uber complicated backstage but a good time to watch.
November 5, 2012
One of the funniest shows I've ever seen - and a great read. Two parts 'See How They Run' mixed with one part Hitchcock thriller, add a dash of Monty Python and viola - 'The 39 Steps - A Play'.
March 25, 2017
Going to be performing this play soon at my school.
Actually doing the play makes me enjoy the script a lot more so thats the main reason for giving it three stars. :)
Actually doing the play makes me enjoy the script a lot more so thats the main reason for giving it three stars. :)
February 18, 2013
Must be seen to really be appreciated. This is a play where the actors must bring it to life
March 17, 2014
Has some pretty demanding technical needs - mainly space-wise. But a very fun, borderline absurdist show. The end was a little bit flat for me, but that is normal for this type of show.
February 28, 2016
A fabulously funny play that incorporates the original book and elements of the Hitchcock film within a play within the play. Seize an opportunity to see this play performed for maximum enjoyment!
October 27, 2016
I don't know if I just wasn't in the mood for this but seriously, just, no.
April 21, 2016
Never saw the movie or play.
Definitely from a different time. Fast paced. Full of cliches but still fun. Would love to see this staged.
Definitely from a different time. Fast paced. Full of cliches but still fun. Would love to see this staged.
July 26, 2016
GREAT READ!
What a manic ride!
Fun little chase plot but oh so many characters but only four actors.
Really makes me want to see the play.
What a manic ride!
Fun little chase plot but oh so many characters but only four actors.
Really makes me want to see the play.
June 26, 2017
Delightfully silly. Four actors play close to forty characters in this madcap comedy based on the Hitchcock thriller.
September 25, 2017
I do not care for the script. It's too hard to follow interested bit too corny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews