The Hound Of The Baskervilles

The Hound Of The Baskervilles
Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 July 2021
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
Director: Kat Metcalfe

Rehearsed during the pandemic and performed to a socially distanced 'bubble' audience, BSEODS returned to the stage in 2021 with The Hound of The Baskervilles.

This was our first ever performance to have a digital programme. Follow the link to read it in full: https://me-qr.com/data/pdf/243162.pdf

Photo Credit: Keith Mindham

Cast

Sir Henry Baskerville - Hugh Weller-Poley
Dr John Watson - Adam Thurkettle
Sherlock Holmes - Nic Metcalfe
Lady Agatha Mortimer - Sam Cayford
Barrymore - Stuart McLellan
Mrs Barrymore - Cath Harvey
Kathy Stapleton - Libby Corrie
Laura Lyons - Anna Sutton
Jack Stapleton - Phil Cockell
Perkins - Jasmine Nash

NODA Review
The Hound of The Baskervilles
6th July 2021
Author: Julie Petrucci

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, written in 1903, was, in 2003, listed as one of the UK’s favourite novels and the top Sherlock Holmes novel. Over many years various film and television versions of the story have been produced and it has also been adapted for the stage many times. However, this is the first time I have seen a staged production of this famous story, one which, I am sure, you do not need me to rehearse here.

This adaptation, by Tim Kelly, is perhaps more melodramatic than the original but that is no bad thing. Although modern film audiences seem to love the horror genre, with all the gore that goes with it, a stage play relies more on dramatic tension than special effects. The play is permanently set in the sitting room of Baskerville Hall and all of the gory action happens offstage leaving the cast to build up any tension.

This production was visually appealing with a great set (designed by Kat & Nic Metcalfe and Ant Wallbridge), excellent stage dressing and period furniture. The costumes were convincing. A couple of minor comments here: Jack Stapleton should probably have had a smaller jacket and most Victorian ladies when visiting would have worn gloves. The original music and sound design by Lee Berry added great atmosphere to the production as did Kate ‘Sky’ Skylar’s lighting design with the flickering lights.

Director Kathryn Metcalfe had, of course, to overcome the problems created by the pandemic with rehearsals. This gave way to one or two masking problems once the production got to the stage. I think these minor issues could maybe have been alleviated by swapping the desk with the chair by the fireplace but overall I felt the direction was good.

Nic Metcalfe’s Sherlock Holmes commanded the stage at every entrance with perfect diction and projection. Adam Thurkettle settled nicely into his role of Dr Watson and gave us a solid performance. We enjoyed a very natural and well delivered Sir Henry Baskerville from Hugh Weller-Poley. This was a fine performance. A matching performance came from Liberty Corrie as Kathy Stapleton who fooled us all as the simpering sweetheart of Sir Henry only to turn into a revengeful woman thus showing her true colours. Sam Cayford gave a very regal performance as Lady Agatha Mortimer, and I liked Stuart McLellan’s characterisation of Barrymore which was matched by Cath Harvey as his wife. This couple managed to keep us suspicious of their actions for quite some while. Supporting cast members Phil Cockell (Jack Stapleton), Anna Sutton (Laura Lyons) and Jasmine Nash (Perkins) all gave us very convincing characterisations. Characters who make on/off appearances are notoriously difficult to play as it is much harder to maintain concentration after spending time waiting in the wings; there was no problem here though. This cast obviously worked as a close-knit team.

On the debit side some of the volume dropped in places and, given the play is reasonably short, time could have been taken between scenes to clear used glasses etc. which would have avoided a preponderance of semi-finished drinks still being visible.

BSEODS very rarely produce plays but their musical reputation certainly held fast with this enjoyable drama production. It was lovely to spend a pleasurable evening in a theatre once again.