Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 27 November 2021
Reviewed by Louise Ford.
5*****
Who let the dog(s) out ?
I must confess to being more than a little partial to a mystery and Sherlock Holmes is one of my favourite Detectives; so I was really looking forward to a reworking of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles. It’s a great story, which has stood the test of time, with all the requisite elements for a mystery, deer stalking detective, solid side kick, mysterious death, shady strangers, unconvincing disguises and beards, inheritance, the moors, escaped prisoners, a giant hound and a little bromance!
The current production is a collaboration between Original Theatre Company and Octagon Theatre Bolton, which is continuing its UK Tour having premiered in Bolton this summer. The story has been adapted for the stage by Lotte Wakeham and is directed by Tim Jackson.
The adaptation is ingenious for a cast of just three actors. Jake Ferretti plays Mr Sherlock Holmes, the world famous (second best) detective as well as Stapleford, Stapleford’s “sister” and a host of other characters, Dr Watson is played by Niall Ransome and Serena Manteghi plays Sir Henry as well as various yokels. They are all excellent.
As you would expect Sherlock is played as a suitably aloof and superior detective all pontification and pipe smoking. Dr Watson is the solid central character around who the action and actors change and move. He is suitably attired in country tweeds and bumbles along trying to make deductions and protect Sir Henry. The running joke that Watson fails to recognise Sherlock in even the most minimal disguise is very entertaining! Sir Henry, fresh in from Canada, is played with energy and pomp, with just the right mix of upper class twit and lovesick bravery! It’s a very energetic performance with gymnastics and comic bounce. In fact all three actors move smoothly between their various characters even when the action speeds up and quick changes are called for.
The stage is dominated by the gothic presence of Baskerville Hall which is cleverly lit to cast a threatening glow over the scenes. The clever use of minimal props means that the various doorways, boxes and desks adapt them selves with little effort to move between Baker Street, a cab, a train, a sauna (?) and Baskerville Hall itself. The ever present dry ice adds to the air of mystery and threat.
The star of the show for me was the Grimpen Moor, the scenes where the various characters got stuck in the mire were just brilliant. Excellent comic acting and effects!
A great evening at the theatre on a decidedly chilly November evening, the game is afoot Watson!