Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles Review
Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles
at Wentworth Castle Gardens, Barnsley
A Chapterhouse Touring Theatre Company production
Reviewed by Sue Surgey
Having never been to an open air theatre production nor Wentworth Castle I was extremely thrilled to have been given the opportunity to review this event.
Seeing as I had never experienced anything like this previously I thought I would take the opportunity to test out the web facilities to gain info first… I viewed the Chapterhouse website which was very informative and showed pictures of previous events (giving an insight in what 'goes' regards chairs/picnic's etc… – essential for a novice like me!) and gave a link to the venue website which again was very informative re: directions, post code for sat nav etc…
So off we went armed with simple nibbles, blanket, brolly (this is UK Summer after all, need to be prepared!) and directors style chairs. We travelled north up the M1 following sat nav – very simple to find the venue (10 minutes from junction 36) signs to the car parking were easy to follow. We arrived at 5pm and there was a steady stream of fellow, eager audience members also arriving… Collection of tickets was done with ease through the Castle shop, lots of efficient guides directed at every corner right up to where the production was being held, which was in front of the magnificent building on a lawned area with spectacular views from this elevated spot. It was a beautiful location made even more perfect when the rain cleared, sun shone and a rainbow appeared. Getting to the lawned area did involve a 5 minute walk with steps however I did notice a lift and buggy service offered to those who couldn't manage it.
First impressions saw a small simple set with people already settling with their seats, blankets and picnics securing a 'good spot' Cast members Dr Watson and Mary in costume were welcoming… selling raffle tickets, programs and advising guests where to 'set up camp' – there wasn't a need to panic or rush for us as even if we had of been right at the back viewing was still good and the sound great.
The production started promptly at 6pm with Dr Watson and his new wife Mary entering the stage starting their honeymoon… just 6 cast members played all the different parts and did all set changes swiftly as they went along, with added humour if any slip ups occurred! The costumes were great – especially the beady eyed Baskerville hound! All cast members portrayed their many characters excellently. First half ran to 7pm where during the 20 minute interval you could make your way back the castle shop to use the facilities and grab a hot drink – be quick getting your cuppa though… they started promptly at 7.20pm, the production came to end at approx 8.10pm and everyone was efficiently seen out of the grounds and back to the cars.
Being a Sherlock fan and not knowing what to expect, I was worried I would be disappointed… I needn’t have, it was an extremely entertaining production and a thoroughly enjoyable evening in an exquisite venue.
Highly recommended and I wouldn’t hesitate to go again!
Rating: 5/5 
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