Val Ruloff, our community reviewer, guides us through the fun and frolics of Torch Theatre Company’s autumn show, The Hound of the Baskervilles. In this terrific review, Val recommends that everyone sees this fantastic play.

Read her comments below...

Howling​ laughter!  

Rip roaring​ success!

"Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in on the midday sun misty moors"- as the song (almost) goes! 

The prime, top-quality, choice selection of three cast members pull tour de force performances out of the (lamb in a) bag here! A veritable lean and meaty feast, with nothing wasted- not even enough for a doggy- bag. Everything promised by the initial script rehearsal is more than delivered now, complete with versatile performances and the taking on of several roles by cast members- even some improvisation to enhance the general mayhem and hilarity. All the clues followed confirm my deepest suspicions- there's definite evidence that Sherlock Holmes, Dr Watson and Sir Henry Baskerville are- in fact- enjoying themselves immensely as they romp their wacky way through this crazy journey of adventures!

Gareth John Bale, Torch Associate Artist, plays Sherlock Holmes as well as Mr Stapleton and the beautiful, mysterious and seductive Mrs Stapleton; "Slasher" Seldon; Mr Barrymore- and more. Rick Yale enjoys his new and exciting introduction to the Torch stage, taking on the role of Sir Henry Baskerville and more- very revealingly too, it has to be said! The role of Dr Watson is embraced enthusiastically by Jessica Dyas- well known favourite at the Torch. The cast literally bounce off one another, with superb comic timing, coordination and a joyful rapport that communicates itself infectiously to the audience.

The gauntlet has been thrown down, the bar raised yet once more.

Chelsey Gillard, Torch Artistic Director, has cracked the case and delivered the goods for a smash-hit with this Stephen Canny and John Nicholson adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic story- The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Keep up to speed, keep pace with the beat of galloping hooves across the mooooooorrhs!! 

Catch up with this fast moving, rapid-fire, dog- littered with "bants" script- if you can!

The script faithfully follows the well-loved Hound of the Baskervilles story- with a riotously funny, comic take on the tale. The cast pounce upon their lines and the ensuing events, thrills, spills, slapstick, mystery and wild antics with gleeful relish- savouring every bite, every mouthful and every bit of horse-play! The physical comedy and set pieces are a treat! Bethan Eleri, Fight and Intimacy Director, surely deserves a shout out here! 

More tasty morsels are provided by Kevin Jenkins, set and costume designer- with scenic backdrops depicting the wild, atmospheric beauty of Dartmoor. Costumes perfectly evoke the Edwardian era and bring to life the iconic characters.

James Williams has composed music that perfectly expresses the Sherlock Holmes theme, with strains of violin and strings providing a beautifully atmospheric soundtrack. The special effects and props are excellent- full of surprises, inventive and imaginative. They range from bubbles, swirling mist and tendrils of curling steam to trap doors doubling as boggy mires of sinking sand. The set pieces are fabulous and also a hoot- from scary bedtime shenanigans at midnight to steamy, risqué sauna scenes and drama on board a hurtling express train.

Let there be no classic misunderstandings here- this Hound of the Baskervilles is pedigree... a winner!

Image: Media to Motion