The Hound of the Baskervilles

4 stars

New Vic until 14^th March

“a joyous and manic production”

Sherlock Holmes has been a constant worldwide feature since his first appearance in book format in 1887. Since then, we have had radio plays, films, television, and stage adaptations. His popularity seems to show no sign of wavering nor indeed does interpretations of arguably his most popular book The Hound of the Baskervilles. It is it must be said a thin plot lacking in any deep mystery or tension. And yet the moors of Dartmoor coupled with the wild hound have stood the test of time and continue to attract audiences, which was certainly true at the press night this week at the delightful New Vic. The theatre is celebrating its 40^th anniversary and the Conan Doyle classic is a top-class way to kick off the celebrations. Sir Henry is the remaining heir to the Baskerville estate so must be protected from the moors, the dog and it seems a bunch of likely unscrupulous suspects. Doctor Watson leads the chase with Holmes taking it seems at first a back seat in the detection stakes.

This is a cast of four flexible actors, playing all the roles between them as well as breaking down the fourth wall with ease and embracing the audience participation with glee.

Alice Liburd, Jerome Marsh-Reid, Alex Phelps, and Tom Richardson make up the quartet and cover all the roles between them. And this they do with a breakneck pace and with a lump of enviable comic timing.

It is a manic joy to behold.

Runs until the 14^{th of} March

David Robinson