With delight I went to see Sherlock Productions latest show, the pantomime Hercules and as expected their talent and skill improve with every show – this was my favourite to date!
This has become a yearly occurrence for me and one I look forward to as a visual reminder of the true spirit of Christmas – to love one another. Sherlock Productions is a unique amateur dramatics company who completely embrace inclusivity and wholly demonstrate the joy that this gives to all involved and to its observers – one of heart-warming accomplishment and unity – equality and achievement. Sherlock Production was originally founded in memory of Paddy Sherlock a talented thespian and a great friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him, Paddy would have been so very proud of this production of Hercules.
Directed by co-founder Shelley Edwards, Edwards does a stellar job in keeping the action fluid and busy on stage, with a clear storyline and one that embraces the Sherlock Productions ethos of a home and place of safety for all, whatever the individual’s ability and experience. Chantelle Edwards (the companies ‘Jack of all trades’) designed the technical aspects of the show with projection and effective initial voice overs from the Gods! She also choreographed the show and lead the chorus with care and consideration on stage, Chantelle would be a talented addition to any company but to this one, she is priceless. The experienced and kind hearted Musical Director Steve Trotter, was in another role at this production that of technician and he made sure there were no sound or lighting gremlins to disrupt the action. What a hero!
Hercules – A pantomime story not on the list of regulars, but with a sincere story to tell – it was wonderful to see something new and fresh hit the stage at this festive time and the cast and creatives made sure the story was clear and very interesting. Yes, all the usual pantomime ‘it’s behind you’, hiss and booing were there but it was the equilibrium of the cast that stuck a wondrous chord with me. We were shown to our seats by a very scary looking Hades (Rach Howard) with her riding crop and plenty of nastiness, and this characterisation never subsided throughout the whole performance – impressive.
Jade Wilkinson (one of Sherlock productions founders) played a confident and likeable Hercules who bound the cast together with professionalism and ease on stage. Hercules love interest Meg was played with a lovely sincerity and a strong melodic singing voice, by Leonie Williams. The two’s connection on stage was tangible. Hercules’ mother Ma, (Martin Farthing) the typical Dame role had to work hard with the small audience, but his persistence was admirable. Noticeably and unfortunately, lots of cue lines were missed but these were rescued by Wilkinson and her hapless brother Zak (Joanne Farthing). Steadfastly, Joanne Farthing gave us comedy galore and had the audience firmly in her court. Hades two henchmen were a highlight of the show for me and Abbie Edwards as Pain shows marked improvement year after year and gave us a comically confident and sustained performance – great to see! Edwards was joined on stage this year by Panic (Francesco Stamate) this was a stellar premier performance and very amusing, together they were in control of the material and obviously having a ball up on the stage… my constant smile was only broken by my belly laughter!
The complex storyline was made easy to follow by the Greek Chorus, the 3 Muses, (Chloe Jenkinson, Becky Yelland and Rachael Jackson) these 3 young ladies were classy in role, singing well and showing again their personal growth in confidence and performance skills. Within the principle cast and the ensemble of Chantelle Edwards, Carolynne Roche-Sage, Danny Hudson, Katie Keen, Sharon Burton and Brooke Catton, the care taken on stage to include every member and their abilities is something special to witness and what makes Sherlock Production so unique, total equality and strength in numbers and differences. Oh, I must mention Katie Keen and Danny Hudson’s fan waving… well done – I bet their arms ached after that!
So once again Sherlock Productions humbled me, it made me readdress my own choices at times, and it made me glad to know that some people are so selfless that rather than gain personal glory they prefer to brighten the lives of vulnerable people – safely, caringly and educationally. I am in awe. Please, next time Sherlock productions perform go along and support them and bask in all that is good in the Arts and in humanity. To provide this safe haven costs money and ticket sales are its only revenue and finally Sherlock Productions and all the cast and creatives a message for you all :- May I thank you for a wonderful, almost ‘scrooge’ night of reflection – I promise that I will love more, laugh louder and be consistently caring to others. You are truly inspirational every one of you.
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 13th December 2025
North West End UK Rating: