The 39 Steps Re-Climbed is adapted by Barnard Castle's Simon Pell for The Castle Players' New Year tour of Teesdale village halls

THE 39 Steps Re-climbed is adapted by Barnard Castle’s Simon Pell for The Castle Players’ New Year tour of Teesdale village halls.

Based on the classic novel by Scottish author John Buchan, and set in 1914 in the build up to the First World War, The 39 Steps is an action adventure, full of danger, fun and romance.

“I’ve always loved the story”, said Pell, “It was my favourite film as a child, and I feel honoured to be directing my own adaptation for the players.”

The film he refers to is the Alfred Hitchcock 1935 film, with Robert Donat playing the part of Richard Hannay.

Pell’s specially adapted ensemble performance is for 15 actors, and he promises a fast and furious, tongue-in-cheek yarn, mirroring the cartoon style of The Keystone Cops.

“As well as murder this comic book style production will feature treason, espionage, diplomatic intrigue, death defying feats of courage, stamina and patriotism; as well as highly moving moments and many other close scrapes besides,” says Pell.

Set in June 1914, London, Hannay is bored until he meets Scudder, a man who claims to be a British spy. When Scudder is killed in Hannay's flat, Hannay finds himself accused of his murder and is caught up in a deadly conspiracy, which not only threatens his life, but the safety of the nation. Spurred on by this bizarre turn of events, Hannay flees London for Scotland hoping to uncover a German espionage ring.

“The 39 Steps is a remarkable tale of an ordinary man who puts his country's interests before his own safety. Buchan crafted a thrilling adventure that still stands the test of time. I have dedicated this production to the memory of my great-uncle, Albert Pell, who was a gunner with the Royal Artillery and was killed in action near Ypres in 1915, which was the year that The 39 Steps was published.” says Pell.

January performances: 9 - Whorlton Village Hall; 11 at Romaldkirk Reading Rooms; 17 at All Staint's Church Hall, Blackwell, Darlington; 18 at Cotherstone Village Hall; 24 at Dalton and Gayles Village Hall; 25 at Ingleton Village Hall and 30 at Barnard Castle’s Parish Hall. February sees performances on 1st at St. Cuthbert’s Centre, Crook; 6 at Bowes and Gilmonby Village Hall and finally on February 8 at Scarth Hall, Staindrop.

For full details and ticket information visit castleplayers.co.uk or contact the relevant venue.