SHERLOCK HOLMES : A Working Hypothesis!

Sherlock Holmes is such an iconic figure that many adaptations and spin-off’s still creep into our lives to date. With the recent BBC drama series, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, there seems to have been a further resurgence and a new fan base for the detective and Arthur Conan Doyle’s hero lives on.

Sherlock, recently thought to be dead, embarks on a new adventure with his loyal friend Dr Watson and plots his wits against an evil nemesis in this production with a twist. Prof. Selohm Socklehr is the disguise Holmes takes as he pretends to have invited us for a lecture, but his intentions and focus lie elsewhere. Name badges, party hats, dancing and a round of hangman all ensue in this rather ludicrous comedy.

Hayden Wood gives us a rather youthful, skittish Sherlock and his improvised moments as Selohm Socklehr as we enter the auditorium are some of his finer moments. Edward Hyen is the sturdy, ever loyal Watson and suitably plays the opposite comedy role of Sherlock.

The real delight in this production is the audience interaction and the improvisation, although it is easy to see that without a willing audience to participate in this enforced interaction his show could be in danger of being a bit of a flop. The script does lose some momentum towards the later part of the evening but the improvisation and comedy is sharp and keeps us chuckling throughout the performance.

This is something you won’t see the likes of everyday – not for those who don’t enjoy a little audience interaction, but rip-roaring fun if you do. Silly, exciting and cleverly comical – worth a watch. ★★★★☆   Sam Chipman         18/10/14