Hitchcock in the frame in the Leamington Loft’s first play of 2014

Situated in the gap between celluloid dreams and reality, Terry Johnson’s Hitchcock Blonde explores the playright’s voyeristic fascination with blonde leading ladies - and suggests that theatre, as much as film, turns us all into furtive, guilty spectators.

Middle-aged professor Alex discovers some old footage which includes the few surviving frames of a previously undiscovered Hitchcock film. Sharing the find with his young (blonde) student Jennifer, Alex invites her to his Greek villa for the project of a lifetime - piecing together the forgotten masterpiece. A flashback then takes us to 1959, where Hitchcock himself is preparing to meet a blonde actress who just might become his next leading lady.

Directed by Darren Scott - who directed last January’s psychological chiller Mindgame, the production features Paul Atkins as Alex and Sarah Kyffin as Jennifer.

The show runs from Wednesday (January 22) until Saturday February 1 at 7.30pm each evening, except Sunday. For tickets, call 0844 493 4938, visit the theatre on evenings from Monday or visit www.loft-theatre.co.uk