Emma Rice to adapt Alfred Hitchcock’s North By Northwest for the stage

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller, North By Northwest, is headed to the stage in a brand new adaptation by Emma Rice, Artistic Director of Wise Children.

Rice will also direct the play, which begins performances at York Theatre Royal from 18 March 2025, before touring to Manchester, Liverpool, and other UK venues. North By Northwest is co-produced by Wise Children, York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester, and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.

Billed as a riotously funny reworking of Hitchcock’s film, Rice’s adaptation turns the original thriller on its head. With just six shape-shifting performers, a fabulous ‘50s soundtrack, and a lot of hats, this dazzling production plays with heart, mind, and soul.

Also announced today is Wise Children’s new season. It will feature the family show The Little Match Girl and Happier Tales, which will return to their home base, The Lucky Chance in Frome, over Christmas, running in tandem with a production for younger children, The Ugly Duckling, directed by Mike Shepherd.

In 2025, their acclaimed production of Wuthering Heights will embark on a tour of Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China.

Emma Rice said today, “I feel breathless as I think about the months ahead. Wise Children will be taking work across the planet, up and down the country, and just around the corner. The company will be truly local and international, as we perform our beloved Little Match Girl to neighbours in Frome, new show North by Northwest to friends in Manchester, York, Liverpool, and beyond, and returning favourite Wuthering Heights to new audiences in Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.” She continued “Astonishing! I couldn’t be prouder and, as we look ahead to our seventh year, I thank the theatre gods (and my incredible team of actors, musicians, administrators, and technicians!) for all their blessings. Imagine playing London’s Barbican Centre one month, Frome’s Lucky Chance the next, and the Hong Kong Arts Festival weeks later. We are walking through our dreams, and I could jump for joy. Join us for one, or join us for all – this is dizzying.”

Further details on casting and creatives for North By Northwest to be announced.

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Main photo: North by Northwest - Wise Children