**** The Daily Telegraph
Dominic Cavendish is impressed by a revival of Charles Marowitz's brilliant seventies Sherlock Holmes spin-off.
"I’d love to say: “let me explain”, but I have to tread carefully because this ingenious addendum to the Holmes adventures – which picks up the story in 1897, some six years after the supposed death of Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls – is booby-trapped against critics."
“an outstanding production. Highly recommended.” British Theatre Guide
"Aitken keeps the pace up, aided by Simon Kenny's fine set." The Times
"... directed by Maria Aitken with all the panache you would expect from the director of the hugely successful stage version of The 39 Steps." Whatsonstage
“...switches from comedy to suspense thriller with aplomb.” The Stage
**** “...marvellous entertainment value.” Oxford Times
“...a theatrical highlight...” Henley Standard
“Yet again, [The Watermill] has come up with something special.” Basingstoke Gazette
A death threat delivered to 221B Baker Street scarcely ruffles the feathers of the legendary Sherlock Holmes - the bearer of the message is the daughter of his arch enemy, the late Professor Moriarty. A second threat, and the discovery of his faithful side-kick, Dr Watson, tied up in a closet, does little to shake the great detective’s nonchalance in the face of impending death. However, now, he’s intrigued. Employing his powers of deduction and the assurance that he’s always right, Holmes and Watson embark on a bizarre and fascinating case that eventually brings Holmes face-to-face with his avenger. Is this the end of the most famous detective in the world? The answer, my dear Watson,is elementary.
True to the spirit of Conan-Doyle’s original Sherlock novels, this black comedy has all the suspense and intrigue of a great detective story whilst poking gentle fun at the super sleuth’s eccentric personality.
Watch an interview with Director Maria Aitken here
"as strange and satisfying as a trompe-l'oeil." The Daily Telegraph
"The Watermill undoubtedly have another hit on their hands... superbly performed...." British Theatre Guide
"...played to the hilt by this fine cast on Simon Kenny's superb set..." Whatsonstage
"...packed full of gems...wickedly funny...impreccably delivered. First Class." Marlborough People
"A fine comedy made all the funnier by Maria Aitken's direction..." Henley Standard
"...hilarious one-liners and naughty double-entendres - the cast go at it with aplomb." Newbury Weekly News
Performance Times
Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm
Thursday and Saturday matinées at 2.30pm
(no matinée performance on Thursday 26 September)
Saturday 2 November performances at 1.30pm and 6.30pm
Tickets
Monday evening, Thursday and Saturday matinées £15 and £14.50.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings £24, £22, £15.
Friday and Saturday evenings £26, £24, £16.50.
First Week Special
On the first Thursday and Friday seats are £14.50 and £15. (no other discounts apply)
Talk Back
Free talk back after the show on Friday 11 October and Friday 25 October
Backstage Tour
Thursday 10 October at 2.30pm
Performance running times
First Act 60 mins
Interval 20 mins
Second Act 45 mins
The Cast
Alister Cameron Inspector Lestrade
Christopher Godwin Sherlock Holmes
Victoria Grove Liza Moriarty
Adam Kotz Doctor Watson
Alexandra Mathie Mrs Hudson
Directed by Maria Aitken
Designed by Simon Kenny
Lighting designed by Richard Howell
Sound designed by Mic Pool
Associate Director Robin Belfield