THURROCK Courts Players return to the Thameside stage this October with the spy parody 'The 39 Steps'.

Fresh from his outstanding performance as Wadsworth the Butler in Clue on Stage, Thurrock's resident pantomime dame Luke Coldham again takes centre stage in the lead role of Richard Hannay.

Young bachelor Hannay finds himself framed for a murder he didn't commit and, dogged by police and foreign agents, is catapulted from one plot twist and narrow escape to the next while trying to uncover the secret that is 'The 39 Steps'.

Luke said: 'Courts are well known for their farcical comedy and this fantastic show is no exception, audiences will love the quirkiness of this production. I am thoroughly enjoying the process and hope Thurrock's theatre-goers will keep supporting the Thameside and our fight to keep it open.'

Adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock, the stage show ran in the West End for over 9 years (the 5th longest running play in West End history), and contains all the legendary scenes from the award-winning movie — including the chase on the Flying Scotsman, the escape on the Forth Bridge, a bi-plane crash and the finale in the London Palladium.

Traditionally staged by only four actors playing over 100 roles, Courts Players have maximised on their talented membership allowing 13 actors on stage with most still doubling or even trebling on parts. Josh Handley and Michael Southgate's scene at the train station playing three parts each simultaneously is predicted to be a masterclass in multitasking.

Performed with minimal set, much of it created and repositioned by the cast, the play relies heavily on the actors' performance and sound and lighting to create the many various locations and moods throughout this hilarious comic caper.

The show runs for three performances only at 7.45pm from 19-21 October. Tickets are available now from the Thameside Theatre Box Office 0345 300 5264 or online at THE 39 STEPS (thamesidetheatre.com)

Sophie Nash, Lily Edmeades and George Andelon

Courts go into the production on the back of three of the new members of the company winning an award for a short performance.

Sophie Nash, Lily Edmeades and George Andelon took their ten minute play to the recent Short and Sweet Essex Festival and not only did they come away second overall in the audience vote, they received the Festival Director's award for their 'wonderful attitude embodying the spirit of the festival'.

The trio also performed their ten minute play at the recent Thurrock Cares event.