Theatre Review: The Hound of the Baskervilles
When I was a little girl and on holiday in Dartmouth with my family, my grandad would tell me tales about a pack of hounds who roamed the eerie moor at night, hunting for prey. Unsurprisingly, the story stuck with me. Then, just last month, I took my girls to stay at Bovey Castle – a luxury but child and dog-friendly hotel – located in the heart of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, and I realised we were a short drive away from Hound Tor.
This outcrop of rocks got their name from their shape, which resembles the heads of dogs – or some people believe it was created when a pack of hounds were turned to stone. It is this outcrop that is thought to have inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the writing of his most famous Sherlock Homes adventure, The Hound of the Baskervilles.
In an uncanny turn of events, I then heard the play of the book was coming to Theatre Royal Windsor this week, and I just knew I had to see it. Would the creepy tale still send a shiver through me? It did not disappoint... APL Theatre Ltd tell the story of an ancient family curse, a desolate moor, a diabolical hound and a deranged killer on the loose… The show started slowly, easing you in gently, allowing you to get to know the characters and making sure you have all the facts about the recent murder that took place at Baskerville Hall. Sherlock Holmes' trusty companion, Dr Watson, is played convincingly by Philip Lowrie of Coronation Street fame. I warmed to him in the part instantly. It is through his eyes that the audience is taken on a sinister trip from Baker Street to Baskerville Hall. But can the detectives discover the identity of the murderer of Charles Baskerville before something terrible should also happen to his heir, Henry?
I must admit, after the initial stage scenery at Baker Street, I was waiting for a change of set when we were taken to Baskerville Hall, but the backdrop and furniture remained the same throughout the entire production. However, through the clever use of smoke, lighting, blood-curdling howling noises and a little imagination on the audience's behalf, the scenes were still conveyed well. The supporting cast were brilliant. I must give a special mention to Tom Michael Blyth, Abigail Moore and Lindsey Murray, whose acting abilities stood out in their multi-roles. Luke Jenkins was perfectly cast as the handsome American, Henry Baskerville – I couldn't fault his accent. And Stuart-Hicks did a grand job as Sherlock Holmes, especially as other actors on TV and in films have made this role a hard act to follow. The play had me and my companion (Beth Hammond) biting our nails, laughing in parts, and thoroughly engrossed throughout. The cast managed to keep us in suspense right to the very end. And, considering the book was written in 1902, the tale has certainly stood the test of time. I, for one, will never step foot on the moor at night... The show is on until 22nd April - don't miss it.