ONE of the finest mystery films of all time, Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo is to be brought to the stage of the Gateway Theatre in Chester during the new season - and it will also serve as a special remembrance of James Stewart, everyone's favourite actor, who died last week.

Adapted and directed by Sean O'Connor, the story of obsession, possession and a fatal fear of heights written by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejec, has never been presented "live" before.

It was one of the biggest grossing motion pictures of the 1950s and James Stewart appeared with Kim Novak and Barbara Bel Geddes.

Given the Gateway company's successs with John Buchan's 39 Steps which closed the past season, however, there will be no lack of confidence about the outcome.

The play opens on October 24 and will run for almost a month.

The new season at the Gateway will open on July 25 with another American-based play, The Star Spangled Banner written by Neil Simon.

August will see the world premiere of Vanessa Brooks's All at Sea, a tale of love on the ocean wave.

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