The 39 Steps Smashes State Theatre Company Records

The State Theatre Company’s production of The 39 Steps has smashed the company’s previous box office record mid-way through its season. Hauling in over $428 000, The 39 Steps has pipped the previous record holder, the 2014 production of The Importance of Being Earnest, for the top spot in the State Theatre Company’s long history.

“I’m delighted to see that audiences have responded with such enthusiasm to our brand new production of Patrick Barlow’s stage adaptation of Hitchcock’s noir thriller and the classic John Buchan novel,” Artistic Director Georgie Brookman said in a release. “The combination of comedy, mystery and a pacy production featuring Nathan Page makes for a wonderfully entertaining night in the theatre.”

The State Theatre Company is no stranger to record breaking productions in recent years. This new record is the fourth time in as many years that a production has exceeded box office records.

A play with many strings to its bow, The 39 Steps is a fast-paced comical thriller based on the Alfred Hitchock film adaptation of John Buchan’s novel, and comes with the buzz of a nine year run in the West End. It also has the added star-power of lead actor Nathan Page, known for his turn in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.

Read More: Trying on Tropes in The 39 Steps, an interview with director Jon Halpin and designer Ailsa Paterson

The 39 Steps Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre Continuing until Sunday, 11 September statetheatrecompany.com.au

Photos: Shane Reid