A star of The Crown is set to lead an Alfred Hitchcock classic production when it visits Malvern.

Theatregoers are in for a treat as The 39 Steps, previously a West End and Broadway sensation, embarks on its 2024 UK tour, which is set to arrive at Malvern Festival Theatre on Tuesday, May 14.

The lead role of Richard Hannay will be played by Tom Byrne, known for his performances as Prince Andrew in The Crown and roles in Bridgerton and BBC Three's currently-airing Dreaming Whilst Black.

 

 

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His theatre credits include acclaimed productions of A Christmas Carol and Twelfth Night for the RSC.

Byrne will share the stage with Safeena Ladha, Eugene McCoy and Maddie Rice.

Ladha, recently seen in The Great Gatsby: The Immersive Show and She at Tara Theatre, will play multiple characters, starring as Annabella Schmidt, Pamela, and Margaret.

McCoy, who appeared in the premieres of American Psycho and Groundhog Day at the Almeida and Old Vic Theatres respectively, will take on the role of Clown 1.

In a first for the production, Maddie Rice, known for succeeding Phoebe Waller-Bridge in the stage run of Fleabag, will play Clown 2.

The play is a comical adaptation of Hitchcock's classic spy thriller, adapted by Patrick Barlow.

It ran for nine years in London’s West End until 2015, winning the Olivier Award and What’s On Stage Award for Best Comedy in 2007.

The play has been enjoyed by over three million people across 39 countries.

Audiences can expect an action-packed fast-paced production as four actors play 139 roles in just 100 minutes.

The production follows the adventurous exploits of the stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho Hannay as he encounters criminal deeds, treacherous secret agents, and irresistibly alluring women.

The tour is brought to the stage by director Nicola Samer, with the original creative team of designer Peter McKintosh, lighting designer Ian Scott, sound designer Mic Pool and director of movement Toby Sedgwick.

Potential attendees can book tickets on the Malvern Theatres website (www.malvern-theatres.co.uk) or by calling 01684 892277.