****
Dolman Theatre, Newport
The terrifying canine curse was given a comedic side, entailing the story of the terror and laughter with the cast of three. Starting Ryan Salter, Nathan Hodge and Glenn Phillips, playing main characters and also small multiple characters.
Written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, it unveils a tale of an attempted murder inspired by the legendary fearsome, diabolical hound who embarks only on the weakhearted men of the Baskerville family, leading towards to investigate Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
At the beginning of the play, I found it to be very scary as the room went dark, with mysterious smoke looming over the stage and a howling sound that brought a chilling atmosphere. It was intriguing to see and almost gave me heart attack. There was some playfulness, laughter and hysteria in the live production. Which lasted for two hours, as the comedy felt repetitive and hippodrome. Especially, when the actors break down the fourth wall, by talking with the audience. Nevertheless, it was very entertaining to see.
Directed by Lynn Phillips, who also made the costumes alongside Becky Phillips (no relation) and Sara Salter did set the scene which originally it was taken place in 1889 Dartmoor, Devon.
The props were entertaining to see, especially a gun that is also a torch (how did they come up with this). The sound design, created by Matt Harris was alluring and mysterious. Really made this horror story to be gothic but with warmth and a keen sense of humour.
Each of the actors gave a superb performance, as they were energetic and engaging to each of the scenes. Salter plays the great detective Sherlock Holmes, G. Phillips plays Sir Henry Baskerville as his main role and Hodge plays Dr Watson. Each is charming and characterful in a different way, taking on an extraordinary number of smaller roles and bringing physical comedy to them all working with the props.
This play was very surprising to watch and I enjoyed the madness of it all. It’s astounding to see the talented trio bringing cheer and laughter to this epic production. How they bring imagination and creativity to life it’s words beyond me.
Written by Seema Boksh
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