A TERRIFIC comedy version of a classic thriller promises to pack in the punters for its pre-Christmas ‘premiere'.

Staged as part of the Old Laundry Theatre’s season, the laughter-laden account of The 39 Steps runs from Tuesday, December 14 until Saturday, December 18 at the Bowness venue.

Adapted by Patrick Barlow from Scottish author John Buchan’s novel – which Alfred Hitchcock turned into a gripping movie in 1935 – the show is a real coup for the theatre, says manager Fliss Pocock.

For the Old Laundry is the only venue in the north of England that has been allowed to stage an amateur production of the West End and Broadway success which has won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.

Fliss continued: “We’re all very excited to be co-producing The 39 Steps with Sitting Room Only. I’ve seen the West End production twice, it’s hilarious.”

Apparently, none of the original story has been cut from the comedy version – legendary scenes including a chase on the Flying Scotsman, the escape on the Forth Bridge, a plane crash, provocative ‘bedroom’ sequence and the death-defying finale at the London Palladium are all there.

The story follows the incredible adventures of handsome hero Richard Hannay, who encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, one or two beautiful women.

The SRO cast features four of the region’s finest, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and dynamic action.

Hannay is played by Guy Pocock, Kerry Willison-Parry takes on the roles of Annabella/Margaret and Pamela – with ‘everyone else’ performed by Julie Lloyd and Graham Edwards.

In the director’s hot seat is Neil Metcalfe, who is chuffed to bits that Sitting Room Only was given the green light to put on the play, even though the original production is still running in London.

Neil added: “It is quite a coup for us. I’d like to say it’s down to my formidable negotiating skills with the London agents but I suspect it’s mainly due to the fact we’re a long way from Piccadilly Circus.”

* The 39 Steps is at the Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness on Tuesday, December 14 until Saturday, December 18. 8pm. Box office 08445-040604.