REVIEW: “The Return of Sherlock Holmes”

Tony Homer reviews “The Return of Sherlock Holmes” from Tread the Boards Theatre Company.

‘It’s Good To Be Holmes’

‘It is with a heavy heart’ that Dr John Watson opens our play as he seeks to come to terms over the death of the man with whom he shared so many adventures. We appear to be in the living room at 221B Baker Street complete with desk, chaise longue and of course the bow and violin on clear display. The intimacy of the Attic Theatre lends itself superbly in allowing us to feel that we are at the heart of the matter. But our gaze is directed to both Sherlock Holmes (Robert Moore) and Watson (John Robert Partridge) at the far end of the stage as they discuss the whereabouts of Professor Moriarty (Pete Meredith). The costumes alone provide a clue to our characters, Holmes in his Inverness Cape and deerstalker, Watson his reliable overcoat and brown bowler and Moriarty all black, unshaven, menacing moustache.

And so, to the Reichenbach Falls and the end for Holmes. From here on we gallop apace through three Adventures – The Empty House, The Sussex Vampire and The Creeping Man. The first a predictable tale of murder with a puzzle to the cause of death. It allows the remaining three actors in this troupe to begin their journey through at least 14 characters at my count. Lily Bennett (Mary Watson, Edith Presbury, Mrs Mason), Cassandra Wilson (Mrs Hudson, Alice Morphey), Edward Manning (Colonel Moran, Professor Presbury & more). Not forgetting Meredith who after his brief appearance as Moriarty brings us Inspector LeStrade, ‘Big’ Bob Ferguson and Dorak. All of these actors bring a clear definition between each of their roles through accent (never overplayed) and mannerism (the stillness of Moriarty particularly), the gentle humour of Mrs Hudson, the madness of Alice Morphey, the physical presence of Manning and the consistent serenity of Bennett. It would be remiss not to praise the clever use of lighting and the wonderful music that carries us apace through the many scene changes.

Of course, our focus is both on the storytelling but also the relationship between Watson and Holmes. Watson first? Yes, because throughout this wonderful play (adapted by Robert Moore himself) it is Watson for whom we feel most sympathy. Kept in the dark for a year regarding his friend’s death. Thrust back into investigative work rather than attending to his patients. But always the steadfast and true confidant. Partridge and Moore are a perfect pairing in every way. If I had one quibble it would be that two of the adventures are from The Casebook rather than The Return of Sherlock Holmes. But once the game’s afoot frankly who cares.