The Hound of the Baskervilles - Original Theatre Review

Original Theatre stream a wonderful adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes classic The Hound of the Baskervilles and serves up an anarchically fun couple of hours of entertainment.

Jake Ferretti, Niall Ransome, Serena Manteghi. Photo by Pamela Raith

The adaptation by Steven Canny and John Nicholson which was originally staged in 2007 for Peepolykus is given a fine revival through this online stream which was filmed at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre earlier this year. 

The original plot is there but around the three cast members delight with some farcial fun. Jake Ferretti, Serena Mantgehi and Niall Ransome all impress throughout with energy, comic timing and great acting as they play numerous different characters. 

Ferretti's well-crafted Sherlock matches well with Ransome's Dr. Watson. Manteghi is tremendous in smaller supporting roles displaying an excellent ability with the comedy of the script. Sometimes the performances are larger than life but they never feel too over the top. 

Within the 2 hours, we do see moments replayed as sometimes it can feel a little repetitive but it's those engaging performances that keep you interested right through until the conclusion. 

Niall Ransome, Serena Manteghi, Jake Ferretti. Photo by Pamela Raith

Atmospheric staging is provided with the backdrops and mysterious dry ice setting us in the heart of Dartmoor with Andy Graham's soundscape helps further in setting the scene, though the comedy can defuse the tension of the story as we switch locations at quite a speed. 

Baskervilles has had many adaptions through the years and Canny and Nicholson's version is a worthy addition to the canon. A brilliantly clever piece of comedy that clearly respects the original text. Fantastically fun.

The addition of Digitial Theatre's interactive wrap-around content which included a joyous 'Baskerville Bingo' in the interval hosted by Ransome, the evening wrapped with a great insightful Q and A hosted by comedian Pippa Evans.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Hound of the Baskervilles streams online and is available until 28th February 2023, book online here. 

Niall Ransome, Jake Ferretti, Serena Manteghi. Photo by Pamela Raith