Newcastle-under-Lyme’s New Vic will present in its spring 2027 season “celebrated writing, inventive storytelling and distinctive theatrical experiences”.

The theatre will revive its production of Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of John Buchan’s The 39 Steps which it first produced in 2019. Described as “one of the New Vic’s most popular productions of the last 40 years”, this revival will conclude the theatre’s 40th anniversary programme, celebrating four decades of Europe’s first purpose-built theatre-in-the-round.

The 39 Steps combines suspense, physical comedy and theatrical ingenuity. It will also reunite original cast members Michael Hugo and Gareth Cassidy.

It will be directed by the theatre’s artistic director Theresa Heskins and will run from Saturday 20 March until Saturday 17 April.

The New Vic will then stage Folk by Nell Leyshon. Inspired by the true story of composer Cecil Sharp and his collection and transcription of traditional songs in the early 20th century, Folk is a “moving drama about music, memory and the traditions that connect people and places”. It will be directed by Polly Wain and will run from Friday 7 until Saturday 29 May.

The season will culminate with a new staging of The Unfriend by Steven Moffat. Directed by John Young, The Unfriend is a satirical comedy about the perils of politeness, exploring the recognisably British dilemma of being too polite to say what you really mean—and the extraordinary consequences that can follow. It will run from Saturday 19 June until Saturday 10 July.

Heskins said, “it’s been a thrill to revisit some of the New Vic’s most-loved productions during our 40th anniversary and get a sense of just why audiences loved them so much.

“I’m so happy to be able to conclude our celebrations with a revival of The 39 Steps. When we originally staged the production in 2019, I spent every rehearsal day laughing till I was in actual pain; and then it was a joy to see audiences of all ages doing exactly the same as they delighted in its unique mayhem.

“We had to cut short its last run because of the pandemic but we always hoped we’d be able to share it with audiences again. Our anniversary programme felt like the perfect opportunity to do that.

“We’ve been eager to stage Folk here for some time. It explores the importance of storytelling and the connections that bring communities together, which resonates strongly with our values. Polly Wain has made a valuable contribution to the New Vic through her work as our resident director and it was her work combining storytelling with folk music that made me want to see her vision for this play.

“I’m also looking forward to welcoming John Young to the New Vic for the first time. He'll direct The Unfriend, a brilliant piece of playwriting by one of the UK's best writers that turns an ordinary social encounter into a starkly comic whodunnit, ending with a breathtaking twist.

“As we complete our anniversary celebrations, we’re looking ahead to the next 40 years. This season feels like a fitting way to mark how far we’ve come and the exciting work still ahead.”

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