The Hound of the Baskervilles
Review
An exceptionally clever quick-fire comedy
The multi award winning Portsmouth based theatre group HumDrum return to The Spring with a classic murder mystery ~ "The Hound of the Baskervilles". John Nicholson and Steven Canny's fantastic comedy make-over of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic thriller is a hilarious fast-paced romp.
It is hard to imagine now how Doyle struggled to get his work published, but in 1886 his hugely successful partnership of the sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his foil Dr Watson, was born. Using this winning formula he went on to create many more short stories and 4 novels, these two famous characters also being used by other authors.
In the dark grounds of his Dartmoor estate Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead, with a look of horror on his face and giant paw prints beside his body! Can Holmes and Watson solve this mystery before another Baskerville meets a gruesome end? In this battle of good and evil has the supernatural beast struck again?
Director Sam Sampson, having cast the play, was sadly not able to continue due to a serious illness and hospitalisation. His place was taken by James George who together with a fantastic crew have produced a hysterical and unforgettable barking spoof! From the moment it began to the final curtain call the exceptionally cleverly staged play gripped throughout. Evocative sound effects, minimal props, seamless transitions from London to Dartmoor and authentic costumes aided the highly talented acting trio.
Versatile Tim Sturton-Davies took on the role of Sir Henry Baskerville (and other minor parts). His energy and sheer charisma was an absolute joy to watch. Dr Watson was brilliantly and entertainingly played by Lewis Bailey, who skilfully weaves the narrative bringing a comic innocence to his character. Jonathan Fost however delivers a master class, as he not only performs as the engaging conceited Holmes but also as the beautiful Beryl Stapleton, her sinister brother and other minor roles all at break neck speed and fabulous facial expressions!
This was a heroic highly competent and immensely entertaining production that should not be missed.
Jill Lawrie - Remotegoat
Perhaps the hardest thing to do as an actor is to make an audience laugh.
Not the polite sort of chuckle that accompanies a joke, but the unabashed belly laugh that tells you something is truly funny.
It's a credit then to the three performers in HumDrum's Hound of The Baskervilles that the entire audience seem to be guffawing heartily from the get-go.
Indeed from the moment Lewis Bailey introduces himself and his cast-mates you know this is going to be a very different show. We consistently blur the lines between actors and characters, the three performers leap from role to role with startling quickness and regularity that we audience members are struggling to keep up... it doesn't help that most of us are laughing so hard there are tears in our eyes!
The relationship between Bailey's Watson and Holmes (Jonathan Fost) is a particular delight, both actors ramping up the inherent camp of two men who live together, work together and seem so lost without the other. Tim Sturton-Davies as Sir Henry Baskerville (among others) is often cast as the straight man, allowing the other two free reign to act as silly as possible!
If you need a laugh or two in your life (and who doesn't?), go along to this, you won't be disappointed!
Matt Merritt - The News
