Piccadilly Circus, London, SW1Y 4XA GB
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39 Steps

39 Steps Tickets

4.7/5 - based on 640 reviews
from 640 verified reviews
  • Starring: Andrew Alexander, Stephen Critchlow, Catherine Bailey, Ian Hughes
  • Tickets refunded if your event is cancelled
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39 Steps in London

Starring:

Andrew Alexander, Stephen Critchlow, Catherine Bailey, Ian Hughes

The 39 steps, a riotous, fast-paced comedy drama.

There’s no doubt that Scottish author John Buchan would be delighted with the on-going popularity of his 1915 novel. The 39 Steps was originally published in serial form in Blackwood's Magazine before being published by William Blackwood and Sons in book form later that year. The first of five novels starring the adventurous hero Richard Hannay, Alfred Hitchcock committed the story to film in 1935. Now Buchan’s classic, timeless adventure has been adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow, inspired by an original concept from Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon.

The 39 Steps – the story

The hero, Richard Hannay, encounters a mysterious woman who leads him on a country-wide adventure which sees him desperate to clear his name and save his King and country, with Scotland Yard’s crack team of policemen and detectives in hot pursuit.

The 39 Steps - A masterpiece of on-stage creativity!

Thought by many to be impossible to stage, The 39 Steps is a massive hit with four actors playing at least 139 roles between them in 100 minutes, while managing to remain faithful to the most dramatic scenes from the hit Hitchcock film. This amazing stage production includes the famous chase on the Flying Scotsman train, the well-loved scene on the Forth Bridge, the world’s first ever on-stage ‘plane crash and the edge-of-your-seat drama of the film’s death defying finale.

Renowned as an ‘astonishing theatrical tour de force’, it’s a visual and emotional feast of drama, villainy, adventure and pure silliness, guaranteed to raise a constant stream of giggles and belly laughs. Audiences absolutely love it, and it’s no surprise that 39 Steps is currently the West End’s longest-running comedy, winner of an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and coveted Tony Awards for best lighting design and sound design.

Why is it called ‘The 39 Steps’? While Buchan was writing the book, holed up in the English seaside town of Broadstairs, his small daughter counted 39 steps down from the town to the beach.

Today The 39 Steps has been seen by people in 25 or more countries, a typically British affair with a wide appeal that reaches far beyond our shores, and a stint on the Broadway stage too. Whatever your age, if you appreciate tongue in cheek comedy, Monty Python-style silliness, a generous helping of irony and non-stop action, The 39 Steps is the perfect West End theatre experience!

Buy your 39 Steps tickets here!

If you’re keen to experience the thrills, chills, spills and laughter of London’s longest running stage comedy, we’re your first stop for 39 Steps theatre tickets to suit every pocket, with a wide choice at your fingertips and the ability to choose your seats before confirming your booking.

Please Note: seats with a face value of £25 in the rear stalls are classed as restricted view

39 Steps Official Theatre Tickets

Our central reservation system connects you directly to the Criterion Theatre box office system. We provide live & full availability for 39 Steps tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for 39 Steps has never been easier.

39 Steps Ticket Information

  • Booking until:

    Saturday, 5 September 2015

  • Running time:

    1 hour 40 minutes

  • Age restrictions

    Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted.

  • Important Information

    Seats in the rear stalls priced at £25 face value and classed as 'restricted view' have a slim pillar in the sightline. You will have a clear view by leaning slightly to the left or right.

    Strobe Lighting and Gunshots are used in this production.

  • Cancellations & Refunds

    Once booked, tickets to 39 Steps are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.

39 Steps cheap tickets

We have a great selection of cheap 39 Steps tickets. We can help you save up to 70% on 39 Steps tickets! If you're looking for discount theatre tickets have a look below for our latest offers for 39 Steps at the Criterion Theatre.

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39 Steps reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 640 reviews

What to expect:

Acting
Music
Costumes
Story
Lighting
  • Recommended for:
  • Families (84%)
  • Teenagers (85%)
  • Couples (92%)
  • Theatregoers (94%)
Latest customer reviews

Please note the reviews below are from an old production of 39 Steps.

Fun afternoon

Reviewed on 21 November 2015 by

39 Steps

The 39 steps is a really fabulous show, so sad that it has now finished its long run at the Criterion theatre. Lets hope that it will go on tour, as I will definitely go to see it again .

Reviewed on 08 September 2015 by , Leigh On Sea, United Kingdom

Outstanding

Outstanding show. Enough said!

Reviewed on 06 September 2015 by , Winchester, United Kingdom

Great show

Reviewed on 06 September 2015 by , Billericay, United Kingdom

Catch it before it ends!!

Reviewed on 31 August 2015 by , London, United Kingdom

Great and funny adaptation of the film

Reviewed on 28 August 2015 by , Bury, United Kingdom

Great fast paced story with some good laughs

Great fun show. Fast paced but easy to follow. Some good laughs and great acting

Reviewed on 28 August 2015 by , Gravesend, United Kingdom

Very funny and silly!

Lovely old theatre - went with my mum, we both enjoyed it and laughed a lot. Highly recommend it. We sat in the stalls, row k and had a great view.

Reviewed on 27 August 2015 by , Ashtead, United Kingdom

Fun

Reviewed on 18 August 2015 by , Canvey Island, United Kingdom

Fun

Theatre very warm, cast looked as if they were melting. Covered most of the story in an amusing way. Glad we saw it, but not a show to watch more than once.

Reviewed on 17 August 2015 by , North Shields, United Kingdom

Tremendous fun

My wife and I enjoyed the show. It was great fun. The actors did so well playing so many parts.

Reviewed on 06 August 2015 by , Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Energetic silly fun

A fantastic show which was so funny with some amazing acting

Reviewed on 02 August 2015 by , Sleaford, United Kingdom

Not for my personal taste but people around loved it

Reviewed on 30 July 2015 by , Moscow, United Kingdom

39 excellent steps

Reviewed on 24 July 2015 by , Granby, United Kingdom

Change to the Norm!

We've been to so many London shows and loved them all. Decided to try something different from the usual musical styles, and saw 39 Steps. Gosh, what a refreshing change! It was funny from start to finish but didn't lose track of the actual story. the acting was just great, they were all brilliant and worked so hard and really pulled it off excellently. Would definitely recommend everyone to see this before it disappears in September 2015. It really made you smile and laugh from start to finish - a really must see of the West End.

Reviewed on 20 July 2015 by , Ross On Wye, United Kingdom

Great acting by only four people

Reviewed on 16 July 2015 by , Bognor Regis, United Kingdom

Not as good as I was led to believe.

A production that was a little bit laboured in getting to the point. Some good use of props. The props were, on occasion, not clever enough to stop one thinking they were being used to cut down on cost.

Reviewed on 26 June 2015 by

An amazing show , I was laughing so much , really enjoyed, it was brilliant .

An amazing show , I was laughing so much , really enjoyed, it was brilliant !! . I have seen other comedies during the past years , this one is the best so far !! . Well done . Great entertainment .

Reviewed on 22 June 2015 by

Fabulous farce!

This show had everything - great acting, visual effects, one-liners and great comic effects. We laughed a lot and came away feeling really great! Brilliant new take on a classic book and film!

Reviewed on 06 June 2015 by

39 steps

Superb show for any ages, the acting was brilliant, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Reviewed on 28 May 2015 by

More than 39 steps!

Whilst it seemed like there were more than 39 steps from street level down to the stalls seats, the show was worth the effort of every one of them. Clever, fast moving, hilarious, with a verbal or visual gag every second, the funniest show in London and most highly recommended.

Reviewed on 27 May 2015 by

unexpectedly funny

Reviewed on 25 May 2015 by

Great acting, funny, well recommended

Reviewed on 23 May 2015 by

Showcase of Comic Skills

I thought the performances & inventiveness of the show was terrific, I did find the second half lost my interest somewhat but purely down to the story. I laughed a lot & enjoyed it very much.

Reviewed on 18 May 2015 by

Fantastic!

Fantastic creative show with acting costumes words sets & particularly the music! In the wonderful historic Criterion theatre in an incredible location in the heart of London, right next to the Piccadilly Circus statute - which added to the atmosphere! Amazing talent of the cast!

Reviewed on 16 May 2015 by

Well staged

If you've seen the film then forget it before entering and enjoy the show.

Reviewed on 09 May 2015 by

Very enjoyable comedy, charactors played by all the cast excellent, the comedy was a little repetitive after a while but still very funny. If you had seen the original film everything was clear if you hadn't it was a little fuzzy at times, the show was very slick and sent us home with a smile on our faces we were not disappointed.

Reviewed on 05 May 2015 by

Outstanding

I liked the show, had no idea what it was about, but then I generally have no idea. I just turn up with little expectations, which always seems to turn into a great evening out. Great show would recommend, because the cast of was four were phenomenal! Everyone should go to watch....

Reviewed on 30 April 2015 by

Fun at the Criterion

Enjoyable light entertainment, a fairly short show so great for weary tourists! The Theatre is worth visiting just for the decor alone.

Reviewed on 20 April 2015 by

funny

Reviewed on 16 April 2015 by

Excellent show

Reviewed on 14 April 2015 by

Great Fun!

Reviewed on 11 April 2015 by

39 Steps

excellent acting, very cleverly done !

Reviewed on 09 April 2015 by

great theatre but read up before viewimg

Reviewed on 02 April 2015 by

Hilarious Thriller

Reviewed on 01 April 2015 by

Good fun show

Reviewed on 29 March 2015 by

Brilliant

Hilarious, fast moving and very cleverly delivered. I would recommend this play to anyone.

Reviewed on 27 March 2015 by

SUCH FUN

Not sure when booked, but completely converted! This was a fun show with lots of laughs and great acting. Although only a cast of 4, they took 139 parts between them, which were very cleverly managed.

Reviewed on 26 March 2015 by

Splendid show

Reviewed on 23 March 2015 by

Great entertainment!!

If you need cheering up go and see this show, brilliantly acted by all cast members (only four!) and genuinely very funny!! One of the best theater experiences we've had, great stuff!!

Reviewed on 21 March 2015 by

The 39 Step

The show is based on the 1935 film and is set in that period and not 1914 as the book, that being said, it doesn't suffer from this. The acting is exceptional and the flexibility of the supporting actors and the breadth of their vocal styles makes this play a very enjoyable use of an evening. My Wife who does not like 'Plays' and prefers musicals but really enjoyed this.

Reviewed on 18 March 2015 by

39 Steps

Interesting for younger students of drama. Excellent acting - but very sparse on props/effects. OK at half price. Would not pay full price for something that could be staged in a village hall. Bit of a rip off.

Reviewed on 16 March 2015 by

Great night out

This is a quirky but very funny show, cleverly done in an old theatre full of charm.

Reviewed on 11 March 2015 by

Hugely entertaining

Great show. Fast paced and very funny in a lovely intimate theatre

Reviewed on 10 March 2015 by

A great show

Reviewed on 09 March 2015 by

It's a definition of Fun

Funny on many levels. Witty and very "theatry".

Reviewed on 07 March 2015 by

Fantastic Show

Reviewed on 07 March 2015 by

Top Show

A good spoof of 39 steps with the actors skilfully switching between roles with slickly precision making it look easy when it is not. Liked the 30s theme which worked well with the cinema. Lots of Hitchcock puns. My wife and I enjoyed the whole thing. Tip Top.

Reviewed on 01 March 2015 by

wonderful

Super seats Row D in the Stalls. It was real hoot, loved every minute of the show

Reviewed on 25 February 2015 by

39 Steps

Reviewed on 23 February 2015 by

Excellent show

Reviewed on 22 February 2015 by

Extremely funny and very clever

Reviewed on 19 February 2015 by

Two of our party fell asleep. So not quite as exciting as its billed...

Reviewed on 19 February 2015 by

An excellent show: much enjoyed

Reviewed on 19 February 2015 by

Really enjoyed the show. The set design was very clever and the actors did an excellent job of sharing out a myriad of roles between just the 4 of them. Plus the theatre itself is lovely. We were at the station back of the stalls but it felt like we were close to the stage.

Reviewed on 17 February 2015 by

Tired and dated

Got tickets at half price so thought I'd give it a try. Not sure why this is still running as it seemed very dated and the actors seemed to be going through the motions a bit. I was tempted to walk out in the interval but thought it might pick up in the second half but it didn't.

Reviewed on 17 February 2015 by

Great adaptation, with some laugh out loud moments

Reviewed on 10 February 2015 by

Excellent show which will appeal to all. Clever and well acted. My partner and I loved it!

Reviewed on 05 February 2015 by

fabulous pitty my sister in a wheelchair couln't see it though

fabulous and very funny will come and see it again

Reviewed on 04 February 2015 by

Drama converted to comedy

Those familiar with the Hitchcock 1935 version starring Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll will not be disappointed. This production sticks pretty much to the plot but is converted from drama to a comedy adventure. The four actors handle all the many characters with incredible verve. The choreography involved in converting a car into a train etc is breathtaking and very, very funny. A joy from start to finish.

Reviewed on 03 February 2015 by

We had a great time!

The show is very funny and rather clever. The acting is absolutely brilliant, as the only 4 people make it all. The theatre is old but beautiful. Our seats in the Dress Circle Row A (seats 19,20) were simply perfect. Have enjoyed the show a lot and been pleased with the choice, as it was my partner's birhtday present from me. :)

Reviewed on 03 February 2015 by

Great Show thoroughly enjoyed it.

My only negative is that there are several sets of stairs to negotiate and although I like to think of myself as a young 70yr old, they (and the ones encountered on the tube) were a struggle.

Reviewed on 02 February 2015 by

The alternative ish 39 steps

Very good and entertaining you will have a laugh

Reviewed on 01 February 2015 by

Absolutely excellent. Laughed till my sides ached

Reviewed on 31 January 2015 by

Surprisingly captivating

A very interesting and amusing play with excellent and energetic acting. Pleasantly surprised!

Reviewed on 26 January 2015 by

Clever adaptation!

Great night out, funny and very clever. The use of props was brilliant and the actors were fantastic. Suitable for everyone and guaranteed to make you laugh.

Reviewed on 26 January 2015 by

Great London theatre performance!

My wife and I throughlu enjoyed this show. Must watch!!

Reviewed on 25 January 2015 by

39 steps

Very entertaining; the four actors worked very hard and put their all into their parts. A really enjoyable visit to a lovely unique theatre.

Reviewed on 22 January 2015 by

39steps

Really excellent show & very funny . The theatre on the other hand could have been better struggled to see some bits we where seated in the stalls row m

Reviewed on 15 January 2015 by

Brilliant!

Exquisite show!!!!!

Reviewed on 15 January 2015 by

Hilarious japes

A really enjoyable show with some very hard working actors and actress. Lots of laughs and some brilliant stage craft.

Reviewed on 12 January 2015 by

39 Steps

If you want a fun relaxed & amusing evening at the theatre this is the show to go to - excellent acting & extremely funny with never a dull moment - we laughed all the way through!!

Reviewed on 11 January 2015 by

Fast-paced witty show

Reviewed on 31 December 2014 by

I loved the 39 steps

I totally loved the show.The Actors were all first class and my only disappointment was that the show ended so soon.The mix of jokes, old, new and different coupled with some very clever stage craft had me smiling, giggling and belly laughing the whole way through. Well done.

Reviewed on 30 December 2014 by

Creative, funny a fantastic show!!

Reviewed on 21 December 2014 by

Great fun

As long as you are not too serious it is great fun

Reviewed on 21 December 2014 by

Very witty and funny production!

This is a hugely witty and inventive comedy, slickly performed and very well acted. It recounts, skilfully and hilariously, John Buchan's famous thriller, and does so with pace and verve. Clever breaking of the 'fourth wall' draw the audience into the proceedings and it is easy to see why this play has garnered its accolades. Thoroughly recommended!

Reviewed on 17 December 2014 by

Something to see when at a loose end

Reviewed on 15 December 2014 by

39 Steps at The Criterion Theatre

Fantastic entertainment from start to finish. Great acting and hilarious dialogue in a beautiful theatre, i would highly recommend.

Reviewed on 14 December 2014 by

Briliant!

Reviewed on 12 December 2014 by

Brilliant

Excellent very amusing and clever

Reviewed on 11 December 2014 by

Fun show to watch

Very funny and Like the small theatre as well

Reviewed on 07 December 2014 by

39 steps to a good laugh

Reviewed on 01 December 2014 by

Great piece of theatre!

This is a really fun, incredibly slick piece of theatre! With tongue in cheek humor and extremely clever staging, it was a really fun evening. I decided to surprise my boyfriend who is more a film buff than theatre goer and I was worried that he would enjoy it. But we both had a great evening and it was worth the gamble! It is very pacey and the perfect length to keep you fully engrossed. It stands up to the expectation of a westend show. Although I would say very pricey. But then I would also remark upon that for westend prices being too high in general! And getting great seats at a discount from this site really helped!

Reviewed on 01 December 2014 by

Great fun

Consistently funny and well performed by all.

Reviewed on 01 December 2014 by

39 steps

Reviewed on 30 November 2014 by

Funny

Actors worked hard and it was very entertaining

Reviewed on 30 November 2014 by

39 Fantastic Yes`es

Wonderful story, fantastic acting, the complete production

Reviewed on 25 November 2014 by

39 Fantastic Yes`es

Wonderful story, fantastic acting, the complete production

Reviewed on 25 November 2014 by

Fabulous comedy.

Five of us attended the matinee on Saturday 22nd November and we all had a great time. The actors were extremely funny and the whole show went by in a flash. The ingenious use of minimalist props lent an air of Britsh farce to the show. The show is an absolute triumph, a genuine must see.

Reviewed on 24 November 2014 by

Changed a little, but.....

Seen this twice, with a 3 year "gap". Enjoyed both performances but this time definitely more "slapstick" which I was a little uneasy with, but overall a superbly different way to present a play.

Reviewed on 23 November 2014 by

Best way to enjoy a good theatre moment

Every situation Turn to a laughing time. Very funny in a splendid théâtre.

Reviewed on 19 November 2014 by

Best way to enjoy a good theatre moment

Every situation Turn to a laughing time. Very funny in a splendid théâtre.

Reviewed on 19 November 2014 by

Best way to enjoy a good theatre moment

Every situation Turn to a laughing time. Very funny in a splendid théâtre.

Reviewed on 19 November 2014 by

Best way to enjoy a good theatre moment

Every situation Turn to a laughing time. Very funny in a splendid théâtre.

Reviewed on 19 November 2014 by

Best way to enjoy a good theatre moment

Every situation Turn to a laughing time. Very funny in a splendid théâtre.

Reviewed on 19 November 2014 by

Best way to enjoy a good theatre moment

Every situation Turn to a laughing time. Very funny in a splendid théâtre.

Reviewed on 19 November 2014 by

Best way to enjoy a good theatre moment

Every situation Turn to a laughing time. Very funny in a splendid théâtre.

Reviewed on 19 November 2014 by

No props?

This show has minimal props, but it is because of this that the show succeeds. Very creative, very clever and very funny. A must see.

Reviewed on 13 November 2014 by

39 Steps - 08.11.2014. Matinee

Highly Recommended - Very Funny & Enjoyable. MUST SEE!!!!

Reviewed on 10 November 2014 by

22 Jun
2015
Oliver Mitford

The 39 Steps due to close after 9 years on the West End

by Oliver Mitford | Monday, June 22 2015, 22:27

The 39 Steps The iconic West End production of The 39 Steps has posted its closing notices for the 5 September 2015, following a hugely successful 9 years at the Criterion Theatre.

The 39 Steps due to close after 9 years on the West End