Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery at Little Theatre Leicester Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Sheridan Brown

Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery opened last night at The Little Theatre in Leicester. Directed by Ruth Cheetham, this most famous of Arthur Conan Doyle mysteries has been reimagined as a fast-paced comedic romp that cleverly balances playfulness and sinister Victorian mystery. I have to admit that I’ve never read the novel (or even seen the film) so even though I knew of the story – I had no idea ‘whodunnit’ – so that made the play even more fun.

Set in atmospheric Victorian London and the bleak moors of ‘Devonshire’, the play presents us with a classic Conan Doyle’s mystery: Sir Charles Baskerville has been violently killed. Dark rumours of a devilish beast abound. A vast fortune is at stake. Only Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson can solve the case! And off we all go on a hilarious and energetic evening of entertainment!

As we would expect, the central characters of the production are Sherlock Holmes, played by David Lovell and Dr Watson, played by Charles Moss. They had a great chemistry and their partnership provided a strong dramatic anchor for the production. Holmes’s eccentric confidence and sharp intellect was as we would expect. However, rather than simply serving as a narrator, Dr Watson becomes an active participant in the investigation. We really enjoyed the way both actors accentuated the contrast between Holme’s cool precision and Watson’s dogged rationalism. This created a most entertaining dynamic, shot through with humour.

However, one of the production’s greatest strengths lay in its ensemble. Whilst Holmes and Watson remain constant, only three further actors play an astonishing array of 30+ characters – switching accents, genders, social classes, and many, many hats. The speed and precision of the transformations became a source of comedy in themselves and, as audience members, we soon became complicit in the theatrical game. The use of asides generated much hilarity.

Emma Bamford and Liz Kavanagh bounced off each-other superbly – across many roles, they were very funny. I particularly liked the two urchins, Milker and Cartwright – a little nod to ‘Kevin and Perry’ we thought. The fifth (but certainly not least) talent in this cast was Robin McFarland. Again, he played an array of characters. His comic timing was particularly sharp and he enjoyed many laugh-out-loud reactions from the audience.

But we shouldn’t forget ‘The Hound’. Designed and created by Molly Agar, the puppet was originally inspired by the legend of the Allendale Wolf and has appeared at a number of folk festivals. Operated, for this production, by Thom Jones and Martin Bell, we were both reminded of the wonderful puppetry of ‘War Horse’. It was a superb piece of theatricality that left us wanting more!

One of the stand-out aspects of the production was the way that scenery and props were used – for both dramatic and comedic effect. Cleverly designed by Nadine Hall, the set, including back-drop projections by Joe Roberts, left the audience in no doubt as to where we were; and with 30 changes of location in this fast-moving production – this was no mean feat. One example of this was the simple device of a smart front door, bearing the number 221b – revolving to become part of the set of a Victorian parlour. Immediately, we knew exactly who the parlour belonged to. The atmosphere and setting of the production were brilliantly supported by lighting (Andy Crooks) and sound (Andrew Northcote).

There were also some hilarious uses of props, for example coconut shells, cardboard cut-out of a handsome cab, a far-away cabin – and the dodgiest selection of beards and moustaches we’ve ever seen! Such a playful approach drew the audience in and made the set and props as much visual punchlines as any of the verbal gags were.

Finally, we must offer a shout-out to Head of Wardrobe, John Bale and Wardrobe Assistants, Christine Bradley, Sue Manton, Diane Rushton and Briony Willig, whose sterling efforts supported the character changes without hitch!!

Funny, inventive and endlessly energetic, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery was a masterclass in ensemble performance. There was great balance between comic romp and sinister mystery and the cast simply smashed their character changes. We thoroughly enjoyed it!

We’re always delighted to be able to visit The Little Theatre in Leicester. The staff and helpers are so friendly, capable and enthusiastic; it’s hard to imagine that everyone is a volunteer! The Little Theatre, operated by Leicester Drama Society, enjoys visits from more than 30,000 visitors a year. This is a real centre of excellence for amateur productions and always a treat to be part of the audience. Another plus for the theatre is just how easy it is to get to. It’s just seven minutes’ walk from the railway station, and with a large car park just across the road, it’s very convenient, if public transport isn’t for you.

Rating: 4/5
Dates: 8th – 13th June, 2026
Tickets: £17.00, £18.50, £19.50
Remaining shows are bookable here: https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/whats-on/ken-ludwigs-baskerville-a-sherlock-holmes-mystery/