Super sleuth Sherlock Holmes is on the case in the latest production at Robin Hood Theatre – and I deduce that it’s a cracker.
Robin Hood Theatre Company at Averham is staging Sherlock Holmes’ The Sign Of Four until Saturday.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous masterpiece has been adapted for stage by Nick Lane and the result is a slick, fast-paced drama that keeps the audience engrossed to the end.
A bored and listless Sherlock, and his beleaguered sidekick Dr Watson, are roused into action when Mary Morston arrives at Baker Street to ask for help over the mysterious disappearance of her father many years before.
It becomes a tale of murder, corruption and stolen jewels across two continents – all linked to the mysterious Sign Of Four.
The lead role of Sherlock is played by Simon Carter, and the company would have been hard-pressed to find someone better at recreating the mannerisms of the famous detective. He hardly stood still as he darted about the stage, his fast-mind working in overdrive to solve the clues.
Working perfectly alongside him as the calming influence of Dr Watson, and acting as an unofficial narrator, was Cavan McLaughlin. It was a great partnership to watch on stage.
All the other parts were played by just four people, who did a great job slipping between roles.
Richard Fry was a real scene-stealer, bringing plenty of humour to Thaddeus Sholto, Sherman and brother Sholto.
Cate Martin played, among other roles, Mary Morston; and Tony Smith played a varierty of parts, including Jonathan Small and Constable Matthews. Equally, Jony Redgate slipped between roles but most notably as the inspector, Athelney-Jones.
It was all brought together under the direction of Jean Baliol-Key
The Sign Of Four is proving a big hit with audiences and it is not mystery as to why.
