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Review from 5D writer, Maria Robertson of the hit musical at His Majesty’s Theatre, Tuesday 15th February 2022
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This production of the famous Sherlock Holmes story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is by Original Theatre. It has a cast of 3, although there are many more characters than that. It is an hilarious farcical version with a fantastic set with the big old house in the background, often surrounded with mysterious fog.
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Jake Ferretti plays Sherlock Holmes, and numerous other characters including both sides of two couples! Swapping from male to female was farsical in itself but he managed it very well and the portrayal of the exotic Cecile was my favourite, partly for the outfit.
Serena Manteghi plays Sir Henry, once she’s played the original Baskerville who meets a sticky end! Her portrayal of a London taxi driver – complete with taxi number plate round her neck amused most, although the third “yokel” had me choking on laughter. Yes this dextrous wee lassy plays 3 different yokels, and makes the bold claim that they are all different. She’s totally right, just watch out for that third one, you may splurt your drink if you’ve got one.
Niall Ransome on the other hand only really plays Dr Watson – he explains this seeming laziness with the excuse that it is the biggest speaking part. They all move the set furniture with them and some of it is ingeniously designed, by David Woodhead, so that Sherlock’s desk becomes a bench in a steam room as well as in taxi and a train. I never quite managed to see the horses though, but they were definitely there from the noises and tugging on ropes…
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Of course I am presuming that everyone know the premise of a Holmes story, someone dies in unusual circumstances and the private detective is asked to investigate, with his – slightly bumbling but eager to help – assistant Dr Watson. In this case its thought to be scary hounds in the mists of Dartmoor, following the scent of a curse on the Baskerville family. We do not want to give any spoilers away so the best thing to do would be to go and see it. You really will not regret it, unless you are not keen on fun and laughter – goodness knows we all need some silliness after the last two years and what better way than supporting live theatre?!
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Running until 26th: The Hound of the Baskervilles | His Majesty’s Theatre (aberdeenperformingarts.com).
Unfortunately this is the end of the UK tour but Original Theatre have other productions on offer: Our Productions | The Original Theatre Company | Award-winning UK based touring theatre company
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