A classic spy comedy-thriller and the adaptation of a bestselling novel are coming to Cambridge Arts Theatre in May.

Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps is on tour following almost 10 years on the West End, and will be in Cambridge from Tuesday, May 7 to Saturday, May 11.

The play follows the adventures of Richard Hannay, complete with stiff upper lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache, as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents and devastatingly beautiful women.

Alfred Hitchcock is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema. His other films include The Lady VanishesStrangers on a Train, Dial M for Murder and Psycho.

The original film of The 39 Steps premiered in 1935, and the stage adaptation was first written in 1996 by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon, and later rewritten by Patrick Barlow in 2005.

In the stage adaptation, four actors play 139 roles between them.

Performances take place at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinées on the Thursday and Saturday.

Tickets are available by calling the box office on 01223 503333 or at www.cambridgeartstheatre.com.

Royston Crow: The Kite Runner is coming to Cambridge Arts TheatreThe Kite Runner is coming to Cambridge Arts Theatre (Image: Barry Rivett for Hotshot Photography)

Later in May, The Kite Runner is coming to Cambridge Arts Theatre from Broadway for one week only.

Based on Khaled Hosseini's bestselling novel, the play follows a friendship with spans cultures and continents, as one man confronts his past and finds redemption.

Afghanistan is a divided country on the verge of war, and two childhood friends are about to be torn apart.

The skies of Kabul are full of excitement for a kite flying tournament, but neither Amir nor Hassan can foresee the terrible incident which will change their lives forever.

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Khaled Hosseini was born in Afghanistan and spent most of his youth in Kabul.

He trained and worked in medicine before the success of The Kite Runner in 2003, and has subsequently written A Thousand Splendid Suns and And The Mountains Echoed.

Performances will take place from Tuesday, May 14 to Saturday May 18 at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinées on the Thursday and Saturday.

Tickets are available from Cambridge Arts Theatre's box office and online.