Former Haverhill schoolboy Tom Byrne lands the leading role in touring classic The 39 Steps

A former Haverhill school student is starring in the lead role of the touring production of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy comedy-thriller The 39 Steps.

Tom Byrne, who attended Samuel Ward Academy and hails from Kedington, plays the central character, Richard Hannay, in the production, which is being staged at the Cambridge Arts Theatre from May 7 to 11.

The play is on tour following almost 10 years in the West End.

The stage adaptation of The 39 Steps was first written in 1996 by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon and was later rewritten by Patrick Barlow in 2005 and sees four actors play 139 roles between them.

Tom, who first cut his acting teeth with Haverhill’s Centre Stage Company, rose to prominence when he portrayed Prince Andrew in series four of The Crown.

His other acting credits include TV series Bridgerton, Dreaming Whilst Black and Prime Target and the films The Persian Version and The Road Dance.

Tickets can be bought from the theatre’s box office or by calling 01223 503333.