Yvonne Arnaud – until 22nd November 2025
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
4****
Writer Nick Lane has cleverly woven several threads of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s catalogue of short stories, giving us an original and contemporary Sherlock Holmes tale. Lane captures the essence of Holmes and his ensemble, giving the audience familiarity and originality in one hit!
Ben Owora is the upright Doctor John Watson, keeping the audience informed and attempting to keep Holmes on an even keel. Owora (Watson) portrays a warm, calm, collected character, reliable and consistent. In contrast, Mark Knightley is the formidable force that is Sherlock Holmes, giving him stature, intensity and the emotional roller coaster that fans know so well.
Pippa Caddick (Mrs Husdon, Violet Westbury, Irene Adler, Hilda Trelawney-Hope) is impressive in her ability to switch between strong female characters, providing a distinction between each not just with the dialogue, also her manner and tone. Caddick’s fight scene as Irene Adler, is particularly awesome, with big skirts, umbrella and sword all perfectly balanced!
Gavin Molloy is impressive in his quick transitions between 5 different characters, including Inspector Lestrade and Professor Moriarty. Any student of the stage can learn a lot watching his performance, as he embodies each character fully.
Rob Myles has choreographed some great fight scenes, true to the time and honest in presentation. The creative team have provided a set that transitions easily between scenes, with the fluid motion of the cast moving props into place. It is a pleasure to watch their work.
The play as a whole is quite long and dialogue heavy, however you are kept on your toes, with action scenes and following the many clues. I believe Sir Arthur Conan Doyle will have been impressed by the authenticity and originality of this piece.