The Hound of the Baskervilles

Well its been a long time since I watched the old movie so I had no idea what to expect with this show, particularly when I heard it was funny, but I definitely didn’t expect this.

As I read through the programme I saw that there was only 3 actors in the show and as the show opened to eery setting of the moors and the old Baskerville mansion the actor playing Sir Charles Baskerville showed off some of her clever miming skills before her character died in suspicious circumstances. The lights brightened and the three actors, dropped character and came on stage to explain that they would be playing all of the characters, minor and major throughout the show. As you can imagine this led to some hilarious and clever speedy costume changes, forgotten beards and wonky outfits. There was also the hilarious use of two dummies.

All three of the actors Jake Ferretti as Sherlock Holmes, Serena Manteghi as Sir Henry and Nial Ransome as Dr. Watson were incredible, they played their main parts and all of the smaller characters to perfection and the comic timing between the three of them was incredible. Jake Ferretti in parts reminded me of Rick Mayall. The aforementioned costume changes, the cheesy jokes and quick wit as well as the late sound affects and funny props and obviously the well written play led to a hilarious night at the theatre. The audience were in stitches and it obviously a hit with everybody there. The constant breaking of the fourth wall was brilliant in the smaller Quays theatre and helped to provide the laughs.

The Actors must have been exhausted by the end of the show, they worked so hard. I would love to seem them again in their next show, I predict big things! I was left feeling as though I’d seen a good old fashioned hard working show with some outstanding and hilarious actors. It was very cleverly written and produced and I would highly recommend it to anyone. There were younger audience members there too it would suit anyone of a high school age or above I’m sure. My 17 year old certainly enjoyed it.

It always feels difficult giving shows a score out of 10 as I am comparing huge lavish expensive productions to smaller shows but this smaller show with its three actors and amusing props deserves nothing short of a 10. Well done you put on a great show.