Spy story with a comic turn at High Wycombe

But this version of the story has a twist on Hitchcock’s 1935 movie and John Buchan’s 1914 spy thriller, as this is a comic version adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow.

This play follows the dashing hero Richard Hannay - complete with stiff upper lip, British gun-ho and pencil moustache - in a dangerous tale of cat and mouse from London to the Scottish Highlands as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents and of course, devastatingly beautiful women.

In this hilarious and inventive comedy thriller four actors play over 130 characters in 100 minutes.

The cast for the touring production is headed by Richard Ede as the eponymous hero Hannay, with Olivia Greene as the three women in Hannay’s life, Pamela, Annabella and Margaret.

The myriad of other roles are played with breath taking speed and dexterity by Andrew Hodges and Rob Witcomb.

Barlow’s award winning adaption of The 39 Steps opened in London in 2006 and ran in the capital for nine years, where it was seen by over one million people.

The stage production references a number of legendary scenes from the Hitchock movie including the chase on the Flying Scotsman train, the escape on the Forth Road bridge and the stocking and suspenders scene.

The show is on at the Wycombe Swan at 7.30pm from Monday May 30 through to Saturday June 4, with additional 2.30pm matinees during the run on the Thursday and Saturday.

Tickets cost from £17 to £29.50, discounts available.

Box office 01494 512000 or book online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk.