A week has flown by since the Torch Theatre Company presented its very successful autumn show – The Hound of the Baskervilles to a standing ovation and overwhelming audience reaction. What a production! What talent, here in Pembrokeshire.

As the Torch Theatre moves into its 50^th year in 2027, the rave reviews have been bounding in with Torch Theatre’s avid supporter, Sarah Jane Absalom describing the show as “as probably one of the most rip-roaringly funny plays you’ll ever see in your life.”

Val Ruloff, the Torch Theatre’s community reviewer, was also delighted with the production, the madcap adaptation by Steven Canny and John Nicholson that was suitable for the whole family. Describing it as “a veritable lean and meaty feast, with nothing wasted - not even enough for a doggy- bag.”

She attended the read through of the script a few weeks before the production came to life on the Torch Theatre stage and added: “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.”

The show saw two of the Torch Theatre’s favourite actors returning to its stage. Dr Watson was played by Pembrokeshire’s own Jessica Dyas, joined by Torch Associate Artist Gareth John Bale, who was put through his paces as Sherlock Holmes, both Mr and Mrs Stapleton, Slasher Seldon and a whole host of iconic characters and Sir Henry Baskerville was played by Rick Yale.

Sarah Hirst a Torch Theatre Facebook follower saw the show and thoroughly enjoyed it.

“What a great show - so much energy, so much talent and sooooo many laughs. How can you pick out a fav moment? How did Gareth keep track of the accents? How did Jessica keep a straight face? And how many times did Rick take his clothes off . It was thoroughly entertaining - loved it all.”

Chelsey Gillard, Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director and Interim CEO said:

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to spend the last few weeks in the wonderful world of Sherlock Holmes. This production challenged our cast and creative team in all the best ways, and the response from our community has been incredible. I think the most common audience reaction was ‘that’s not what I was expecting, but I loved it!"

Chelsey added: “A huge thank you to everyone who came to see the show and laughed with us. We are deeply thankful to our audiences for their generosity, enthusiasm and support throughout the run. It has been wonderful to share this story with so many people, and we hope audiences enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed bringing it to life.”