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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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A howling good night of suspense
Sherlock Holmes, (left) played by Tony Stamp is brought in by Lady Agatha,Jennie Maxwell, along with her friend Dr Watson so solve the mystery of the terrifying supernatural hound . . . who seems somewhat unconcerned at his reputation The Hound of the Baskervilles Dudley Little Theatre Netherton Arts Centre **** ARGUABLY, The Hound of The Baskervilles
is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous novel from the whole Sherlock
Holmes series. Dudley Little Theatre are presenting the stage
adaptation by Tim Kelly which has been cleverly done so that all the
action takes place in the drawing room of Baskerville Hall, with
impressive sound effects to create the atmosphere of the mysterious
moors outside. It is probably no surprise to anyone that the
play begins with a murder. Sir Charles Baskerville has been found dead
on the moor – a suspected heart attack; however his friend Lady Agatha
Mortimer believes that it is not quite that simple. Lady Agatha, played by Jennie Maxwell ina
promising debut role with the company, believes that Sir Charles has
been scared to death by the legend that is the supernatural hound of the
Baskervilles! She enlists the help of her friend Doctor Watson,
and of course, the famous detective Sherlock Holmes to unravel this
mystery. Most of the characters have profited from his death making
nearly everyone a suspect but the clever plot has you guessing right
until the end. During Act 1 the cast appeared to be a little
nervous on opening night, however by Act 2 everyone was into the swing
of the production which ran smooth until the very end. Tony Stamps portrayal of Sherlock Holmes complete
with tweed deerstalker hat and cape was very good. He portrayed the
detective in a no nonsense intellectual manor and not the drug taking,
eccentric loony as some more recent portrayals have been. Frank Martino played his sidekick Doctor Watson
and I must say he stole the show. His comic timing and delivery was
excellent from start to finish – his performance really was a joy to
watch. Other notable performances came from Alison
O'Driscoll as Laura Lyons whose brief moments on stage were brilliant.
Special mention must also go to Christine Ridgeway as the maid Perkins,
her comic timing was also superb and made me chuckle every time she was
on stage. Dudley Little Theatre has created a very
enjoyable evening at the theatre with this production which marks their
335th play. I hope that more people from the local area will come out a
support them. Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes with a 20 minute
interval. To 08-09-12. Eva Easthope |
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