Writer: Jeremy Paul

Director: Robin Herford

Reviewer: James Higgins

The Public Reviews Rating:

At Richmond Theatre last night I had the pleasure of being transported back in time to Victorian London. Simon Higlett had created a quite wonderful set. The stage had become a dark but cosy bachelors lodgings filled with desks, comfy chairs, old books and strange science equipment, the walls were adorned with guns, pictures and memorabilia. Up the sides were two steep staircases running up to a balcony where a view of damp and smokey old London town could be seen.

Jeremy Paul has written us a journey into the mind of two famous characters that was first performed on stage in 1988. Back then Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke played the roles they had made their own in Granada TVs The Adventures of Sherlock Homes. Paul had also written scripts for the TV series and gave us a version true to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original vision not the deerstalker wearing caricature that now adorns Baker Street tube station.

We were introduced to the characters that so many people think they know so well; Dr Watson (Philip Franks), an ex military medical man looking for lodgings to share having now fully recuperated from the 2nd Afghan War and the man he was first introduced to at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, the irrepressible, dark but genius figure of Mr Sherlock Holmes. (Peter Egan)

Throughout the play we learn of Watson and Holmes complex relationship and of the great detective’s unrequited love for an opera star and hear of his mysterious aloof brother.

We learn from a worried Watson about Holmes health and also of a tragic story. The play moves fairly slowly most of the time, but this is offset by a shorter second half and a story of evil, intrigue, suspense and betrayal playing out before us. Philip Franks made an admirable Dr Watson, really convincing as the sidekick that is as frustrated as he is in awe of his great detective friend. Peter Egan is majestic as Sherlock Holmes, and we empathise with him despite his flaws recognising that here is a figure of great intellect but with many demons and a famous foe in the form of his arch rival, Professor Moriarty. Sit back,light up your pipe and watch the true secrets of Mr Sherlock Holmes unfold.

Runs until 6th March.

The Secret of Sherlock Holmes - Richmond Theatre, 3.1 out of 5 based on 7 ratings

Tags: Peter Egan, Philip Franks, Richmond Theatre, Robin Herford, The Secret of Sherlock Holmes