Classic thriller, North by Northwest lands at the Liverpool Playhouse Theatre

Get ready for glamour, suspense and a whole lot of suitcases as Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary thriller North by Northwest lands at the Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 May – and this is Hitchcock like you’ve never seen him before.

Reimagined by acclaimed theatre-maker Emma Rice, this brand-new stage adaptation by Wise Children turns the classic 1959 spy caper on its head in a dazzling, fast-paced production packed with humour, heart and high style.

At the centre of the story is Roger Thornhill – a suave ad man whose innocent phone call to his mum spirals into a Cold War conspiracy, sending him on the run from shadowy spies, swooping planes and a mysterious femme fatale. Think mistaken identities, glamorous train rides, and a whole lot of theatrical mischief.

Director Emma Rice, known for her bold and playful approach to storytelling, brings the Hitchcock classic to life with just six extraordinary performers, a fabulous 1950s soundtrack, and inventive staging that includes suitcases galore and quick-fire character changes.

She said:

“There is so much humour in the film; it wasn’t hard to uncover, Cary Grant is hilarious, and his swagger cuts a ticklish dash throughout. However, the humour of this production really comes from the six incredible performers I have brought together. Their virtuosic skills take my breath away as they change character, weave theatre magic and find the humanity in all they do.”

A captioned performance and post-show Q&A will take place on Wednesday evening.

North by Northwest is a co-production between Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Wise Children, York Theatre Royal and HOME Manchester.

Book tickets on the Liverpool Playhouse Theatre here.

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