Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 17th January 2026
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
4****
Sherlock Holmes – we all know him. Right? Well, maybe…
Tonight’s story revolves around familiar enough themes from the Holmesian books – stolen plans, spies, some juicy murders… Principally, this original story from the pen of Nick Lane straddles the period between Holmes dismantling Moriarty’s criminal network and the famous scene at the end of “The Final Problem” at the Reichenbach Falls.
It’s immediately obvious this production is revelling in the unfamiliar, since none of the normal habitues of Baker Street are following the common template. For instance, Holmes doesn’t have slicked back hair, there’s no deerstalker or pipe and this is quite a young depiction. Maybe that’s just my impression from the energetic portrayal from leading man Mark Knightley, who gives the character his all in thrilling fashion with emotional scenes, action sequences and more. Everyone has their own favourite iteration of the great detective – so taking on this monumental character must be a rather poisoned chalice – bravo, therefore, for a genuinely enjoyable reading.
Tonight’s Dr Watson isn’t the bumbling buffoon of Rathbone’s era, nor the slightly exasperated, rather vanilla depiction of the Sherlock TV series. Instead, Ben Owora, gives us a nicely rounded characterization. Slightly matter of fact (although this was a professional in the Victorian Era so…). All in all a fine portrayal.
The rest of the cast play varied and diverse roles. Quite a feat producing such variety with just subtle clothing, voice and mannerism changes. Each had their highlight but my favourite was Robbie Capaldi’s Roland Smith whose deadpan lugubriousness was a sheer delight! Pippa Caddick’s Irene Adler was powerful and gave Holmes some deep emotional waters to negotiate. Eliot Giuralarocca entertained with the marvelously officious government lacky Henry Petty-Fizmaurice. Last, but by no means least, was Gavin Molloy’s Moriarty – all the more sinister in his normality, with plenty of delicious, hateful thuggery along the way. Wonderful acting from one and all!
As I mentioned, there was plenty for Holmes buffs to nod knowingly at via allusions to famous cases like “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Bruce-Partington Plans”. There was liberal use of London landmarks (as Conan Doyle was wont to do). I also really appreciated the running joke about Holmes violin playing – straight from the pages of the original tomes. Some may find such an involved Mrs Hudson a bit jarring, but this worked for me as Pippa brought a real zest and zeal to the character.
I do feel that the play was a tad long – although the second half picked up the pace and was all the better for it. Sadly, I never quite got that lovely Holmesian explanation of his detective method nor Watson’s attempts at the same, falling short of the mark. Basically, there was little interrogation of Holmes’s method, which was a pity.
That said, the finale’s interplay between Holmes and Moriarty regarding the nature of power and politics and the very final moments of the play (which I won’t spoil, for those who wish to see it) made the price of admission well worthwhile – even on a wintery, January night.