The Torch Theatre invited one of its community reviewers, Val Ruloff, to the read-through of its autumn production - The Hound of the Baskervilles and she thoroughly enjoyed! Read her wonderful review below ...

Galloping hooves, across moooo-rs​, around mire​,

Script races​ along- "bants" and jokes rapid fire.

Mystery and "classic misunderstandings" on a loop, madcap antics, hilarity and mishaps, misadventures and mayhem are all in this rollicking mix.

Chelsey Gillard, Torch Artistic Director, has detected a sure-fire winner in this adaptation by Stephen Canny and John Nicholson of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle classic tale- The Hound of the Baskervilles. I deduce the cast to be an excellent selection of prime cuts- fit for a ravenously hungry hound to devour in one gulp. That is, if they were not quite so quick off the mark. 

Gareth John Bale, Torch Associate Artist, plays Sherlock Holmes, a role that's quite a departure from his previous, amazing and award-winning performance as Raymond Gravell in "Grav". Rick Yale is the exciting, new introduction to the Torch stage- playing the role of Sir Henry Baskerville. Then there's Dr Watson, to be played by Jessica Dyas- firm favourite at the Torch since scoring a big hit as Mother Gothel in the Torch pantomime, Rapunzel. 

Some tour de force performances are very clearly in evidence already- even this early on!! Versatility is called for- and delivered- as cast members take on several roles. Gareth John Bale is playing the parts of Mr and Mrs, Stapleton, "Slasher" Seldon- and more! The whole cast made an impressively fluent debut at the read through. The script hurtles along like a dog chasing a rabbit! There's plenty of repartee and dialogue to get to grips with and sink their canines (teeth) into! 

The atmosphere is already charged, like a rearing dog about to pounce! Timing is all- and the timing is masterly. 

The interplay and rapport between cast members is a joy. Off we go on a journey between bedroom farce, slapstick, set pieces, high jinks and strange and brooding threats, thrills and spills. The props and sets, scenery and costumes are cleverly designed and promise great things! 

This production is no dog's dinner. It's a veritable feast of fun- quite enough to have 'em rolling in the aisles!