The Hound of the Baskervilles – Theatre by the Lake

The audience at Theatre by the Lake are howling with delight at the new production of the Sherlock Holmes classic The Hound of the Baskervilles, writes Karen Morley-Chesworth.

This three-person production is a complete retake on the detective novel by Arthur Conan Doyle. The fourth wall isn’t broken, it is demolished in this hilarious retelling of the popular tale.

Adapted by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, this hit West End production captures all the elements of British comedy – farce, physical humour and clever witty lines. This is a fast moving play that all the family can enjoy together.

Sherlock is called in to investigate the death of Sir Charles Baskerville, who died on the moors, after what is believed to have been an attack by a giant dog. Sir Henry has inherited the title and  Baskerville Hall, however he received a warning note, telling him to stay away for his new country house. Is the cures of the Baskervilles passed on or will Sherlock solve the mystery of the giant hound?

Sherlock Holmes, is played by Dave Hearn who we get to know as the actor as well as the detective. He is charming, engaging and totally hilarious – especially when the action stops, the lights go up in the auditorium and he addresses the audience directly.

Helena Antoniou as Dr Watson is equally engaging, and plays her crafted comic script to the full. And as she says, Watson is the lead of the show if you count the number of side-splitting lines. Antoniou is especially funny playing the locals with Katy Daghorn who also plays Sir Henry Baskerville. They are a perfect double act.

Daghorn captures the debonair personality of Sir Henry beautifully – totally English gent with plenty of hilarity to boot.

Daghorn and Hearn’s theatre credits include the West End and Broadway hit, The Play That Goes Wrong. Hearn was also in the cast of TV’s The Goes Wrong Show and Christmas Carol Goes Wrong. So this is a cast steeped in comic genius. And for this audience everything goes just right.

From Bake Street in London to Baskerville Hall and the train ride and bog lands in between, this Sherlock tale captures the essence of the Victorian age with a clever lighting and set on a revolving stage. This production keeps the laughter going throughout. There isn’t a low spot in this show, which provides unexpected moments of even higher hilarity.

The London steam room scene and train journey are timed to perfection, and this tight, talented trio present something very special.

Hearn’s portrayal of Sir Henry’s love interest takes the production fun to an even higher level, when you think you can’t laugh anymore.

The tale is gripping, and has been retold many times on film and TV, however never in such a comical way, taking reference from the comedy theatre makers Peppolykus .

If you love The Play That Goes Wrong, this is a production from Theatre by the Lake you must not miss.

The Hound of the Baskervilles runs at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick until September 14^th, www.theatrebythelake.com/whats-on/

Reviewer: Karen Morley-Chesworth

Reviewed: 14^th August 2024

 North West End UK Rating: