Review: BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY at Dolphin Theatre Onehunga

This one is certainly more than elementary, dear Watson.

Has the curse of the Baskervilles struck again?

Sir Charles Baskerville has died with a look of horror on his face and the footprints of a gigantic hound are found near his body.

To find their ingenious killer, Holmes and Watson must not only brave the desolate moors before a family curse dooms its newest heir, but also navigate their way tough the mayhem of confusion, silly accents and disguises.

Multiple Tony award winner Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, Crazy for You ) has transformed Arthur Conan Doyle's classic The Hound of the Baskervilles into a full-on action packed slapstick adventure; Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.

Director Annie Whittaker has infused her original take on Steam Punk and the cast of 5 had the hugely ambitious task of playing 42 different characters between them.

How they managed to master all the lines, accents and costume changes is a credit to all involved. Costume changes were slick and the timing of the soundscapes perfect.

Holmes, played by David Burchall and Watson, John Edwards, had the difficult task of keeping a straight face and their roles serious to enhance the silliness going on around them. Blair Purkiss, Zane Fleming and Rebecca Stubbing slipped perfectly in and out of multiple roles in what appeared to be effortless changes of costumes and accents as they performed slapstick antics. There is no doubt that a team of very busy people backstage contributed to the smooth transitions.

Personal favourites Fleming and Stubbing brought a great energy and charisma to their roles.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
Dolphin Theatre, 12 Spring Street Onehunga
Bookings:http://securepayments.dolphintheatre.org.nz/

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