She will be joined by David Bark-Jones as the new Hannay, with Timothy Speyer and Jeremy Swift also new to the cast as Man 1 and 2. The cast of four between them play more than 139 roles in 100 minutes.

This classic whodunit, based on the 1935 classic Hitchcock film, as adapted by Patrick Barlow and directed by Maria Aitken, follows the adventures of hero Richard Hannay, as he goes on the run from the police after being falsely accused of a dastardly murder. Now in its fourth year, the show will celebrate its 1,500th performance in the West End on May 5.

Pilkington's other West End credits include playing Grizabella in Cats, and lead roles in The Far Pavilions, Tonight's the Night, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and the original cast of Boy George's Taboo.

Bark-Jones has appeared at the National Theatre in The Forest and the original cast of Dealer's Choice. He was in Guy Ritchie's film "RocknRolla" and "The Da Vinci Code."

Speyer is currently playing Snug in Peter Hall's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Rose Theatre, Kingston (through March 20). He has appeared on TV in "The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson" and played Andrew Gilligan in the BBC's "The Hutton Inquiry." Swift has previously appeared in the West End in David Grindley's production of Abigail's Party, and starred in two series of "The Smoking Room" on TV. He also played Mr Bumble in Polanski's film "Oliver Twist."

The 39 Steps has designs by Peter McKintosh, lighting design is by Ian Scott, sound design by Mic Pool, and movement by Toby Sedgwick.It is presented by Edward Snape for Fiery Angel Ltd and Tricycle London Productions Ltd in association with the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 847 1778, or visit www.love39steps.com