GROSVENOR PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE, CHESTER – UNTIL 31ST AUGUST 2025
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
5*****
Under the lovely summer skies of Chester’s Grosvenor Park, we have a fantastic family-friendly version of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, adapted by Molly Taylor. This exciting show brings Conan Doyle’s famous detective to life with warmth, humour, and a bit of northern charm! Directed by Ellie Hurt, it mixes fun storytelling with some good mysteries, creating enjoyment for everyone in a vibrant setting.
This isn’t your usual Holmes story. Instead, we find ourselves in a modern mystery set in Chester, seen through the eyes of Dr Jo Watson (Alyce Liburd), who is now a guest speaker at a Crime Con-style event. What begins as a serious panel discussion quickly devolves into an exhilarating case involving a stolen painting, a rather unusual group of suspects (selected from the audience), and a mysterious convent teeming with suspicious nuns. The tone is fun and self-aware, blending slapstick comedy with smart writing. While the first act focuses on broad humour and engaging the audience, the second act develops a more structured plot, maintaining its charm and energy throughout.
Ethan Reid gives a lively performance as Sherlock Holmes, showcasing confidence and an endearing quirkiness. Alyce Liburd as Watson brings a grounded, relatable presence, complementing the humour and emotion in their interactions. Their relationship is key to the show’s appeal, making it sharp, engaging, and a pleasure to watch. The supporting cast also shines brightly, with Victoria Brazier portraying a witty Polly (and Mrs Hudson), while Howard Chadwick impresses as DCI Ray, the weary detective navigating the fine line between competence and comic confusion. His dry wit and hesitant collaboration with Holmes introduce a refreshing sense of realism amidst the chaos. Eddy Westbury and Hannah Baker add flair as the quirky Lord and Lady Westminster. The ensemble enriches the performance, and on press night, Morgan Lewis and Alex James-Mason made a remarkable debut! Among this talented group, Jessica Jolleys truly stands out in her role as Stocky. With her impeccable timing, dynamic physicality, and delightful Scouse accent, Jolleys captivates the audience with every moment she spends on stage.
Set in-the-round, the production creates a relaxed and immersive atmosphere that fully utilises its unique layout. Jess Curtis’s costume design blends contemporary style with subtle references to the detective genre. Additionally, the live music, composed and directed by Paula James, enhances the rhythm and atmosphere of the performance. The fight scenes, directed by Kaitlin Howard, are stylised, swift, and intentionally playful, reminiscent more of a comic book than a crime thriller.
Ultimately, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a vibrant and enchantingly chaotic summer theatrical production that embodies the joy of storytelling in its most authentic form, engaging and welcoming the audience wholeheartedly.