Spy Games and Stagecraft: The 39 Steps Returns with a Comedic Twist Across Australia

THE 39 STEPS

An Iconic Thriller, Reimagined for Laughter

What happens when you mix Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful espionage tale with the absurd chaos of Monty Python? You get THE 39 STEPS—a lightning-paced theatrical comedy where four actors tackle 130 roles in just 100 minutes of high-voltage stagecraft. This Olivier and Tony Award-winning production has thrilled more than three million theatre lovers in 39 countries, and in 2025, it’s heading back to Australia with a reimagined national tour.

An All-Star Cast on a Fast-Paced Journey

Directed by acclaimed Australian theatre-maker Damien Ryan, this new production features some of the country’s best-known talents. Lisa McCune, Ian Stenlake, and The Umbilical Brothers (David Collins and Shane Dundas) bring a unique blend of dramatic range and comic brilliance to the stage, ensuring an experience that’s both gripping and wildly entertaining.

As Richard Hannay, Stenlake plays the classic everyman thrust into a whirlwind of espionage after a mysterious murder at a London theatre. From shadowy agents to seductive spies and highland chases, he must survive a sequence of madcap adventures to clear his name. McCune and The Umbilical Brothers morph into dozens of quirky characters along the way, each one more ridiculous—and hilarious—than the last.

A National Tour with Big Laughs and Big Cities

THE 39 STEPS begins its Australian run at the Sydney Opera House’s Drama Theatre on 8 August before touring to:

THE 39 STEPS

Newcastle
Civic Theatre
2–6 September 2025

Melbourne
Comedy Theatre
10–28 September 2025

Brisbane
Playhouse, QPAC
7–19 October 2025

More Than Just a Comedy

While the play is undeniably hilarious, it also taps into deeper themes. According to director Damien Ryan, THE 39 STEPS remains as relevant as ever—a blend of suspense, political intrigue, and personal growth.

“It’s not about a titanium-built ex-soldier coolly dismantling a global threat,” Ryan said. “It’s about a listless everyman who accidentally stumbles into a vast conspiracy. It’s funny, suspenseful, deeply human, and above all, it celebrates the raw magic of live theatre.”

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

If you’ve ever wanted to see a thriller that leaves you laughing breathlessly in your seat, THE 39 STEPS is your ticket. Whether you're a longtime fan of the original Hitchcock film or a newcomer to this whirlwind of a stage show, this production is set to be one of 2025’s unmissable theatrical events.

For more details and bookings, visit your local venue or ticketing platform.

Contact Details
Website: www.the39steps.com.au
General inquiries and bookings: info@the39steps.com.au

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