The 39 Steps: a fast-paced night at Hull Truck

If you fancy an evening that leans as much on a laugh as it does on a chase, The 39 Steps is worth a look. It is currently running at Hull Truck Theatre on Stage 1, and it is a co-production with Derby Theatre, directed by Cal McCrystal and adapted by Patrick Barlow from John Buchan's classic novel, with a healthy nod to Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 film. The run opened on Wednesday 21 October and carries on until Saturday 14 November, so there is plenty of time to catch it before it packs up.

The story is a familiar one: the debonair Richard Hannay gets himself entangled in a mysterious murder and finds himself the prime suspect in a deadly conspiracy. With the police closing in and enemy agents on his trail, he is forced on the run from London to the wild landscapes of Scotland. The real trick, though, is how it gets told. Four actors take on more than 130 characters between them, which is where a good chunk of the comedy comes from — the constant, rapid-fire costume and personality changes are part of the draw.

Ryan Starling carries the show as Richard Hannay, with Sophie Bloor playing Annabella and a handful of other roles, while James Keningale and Kathryn Perkins handle the clowning. Tom Mitchell rounds out the cast, doubling as cover, understudy and Chief Inspector Albright. Behind them, Jen McGinley has handled the set, Ian Scott the lighting, Chris Lince the video design, and Ivan Stott the music and sound. The reviews have been warm across the board: Dawn Bennett of Fairy Powered Productions gave it five stars and called it an absolute delight, Karl Hornsey of On: Yorkshire Magazine described it as brilliantly executed, and Jackie Foottit of North West End UK also handed it five stars, with Leah at Harry Theatre Life giving it 3.5 and praising the physical comedy, the one-liners and the audience participation, while noting a slight dip in pace during the hotel scene.

On the practical side, the show runs about two hours and twenty minutes, interval included, and is recommended for ages 11 and up, with a content guide that flags mild threat, suspenseful moments, stylised violence and comic representations of danger. Tickets sit between £32 and £11, with concessions available, so it is not an expensive night out. There is also a relaxed performance on Tuesday 3 November at 7.30pm, an audio-described show on Saturday 7 November at 2pm, and a BSL-interpreted performance on Tuesday 10 November at 7.30pm with live captions. Most other nights run at 7.30pm, with 2pm matinees on Saturdays and some Wednesdays, so there is a slot to suit whether you are heading in after work or taking the kids at the weekend. Hull Truck is at 50 Ferensway, HU2 8LB, and you can book by calling 01482 323638 or through their website.