Writer: Molly Taylor
Director: Ellie Hurt
Storyhouse has done it again, get ready for your jaw to ache from laughing so much!
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes opens this week at the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, taking you on a whirlwind adventure, following the twists and turns you’d expect from a story about the world’s best known detective – but with an extra sprinkle of silliness, plenty of comedy and few fist fights thrown in.
When Dr Jo Watson recounts her adventures in Chester, at Crime-Con, a twenty-first century Holmes is reluctantly dragged up north away from his beloved London, to enjoy a bit of northern hospitality. In need of a case to keep his mind occupied, Chester delivers just that, and mayhem breaks loose.
With a witty, fast paced script by Molly Taylor, brought to life by Ellie Hurt and a phenomenal cast, full of energy, you’re hooked right from the get go. Ethan Reid and Alyce Liburd as Holmes and Watson are a perfect pairing, Reid’s Holmes is more enigmatic and charming than other recent interpretations of the role which works perfectly in this setting, as he is often up-close with the audience. This combined with Liburd’s northern charm make them a very likable pairing, bouncing off each other and bringing Taylor’s words to life. Along with Victoria Brazier as Mrs Hudson, who brings her own comic flair, the famous characters fit perfectly in their new northern territory.
While based in Chester, the detective team along with DCI Ray, played with beautiful northern brusque by Howard Chadwick, encounter Lord and Lady Grosvenor – Rory and Jasmine. This hilarious pairing of Eddy Westbury and Hannah Baker is sure to be a firm favourite with audiences. Their upper class astonishment and over the top reactions are just simply hilarious. It must also be said that the choice of pink chinos, jumpers over the shoulders – costume design choices of Jess Curtis, just sets off the whole stereotype – very ‘Prestige Package’ at Chester Races…
Having identified a few individuals, it must be said that every cast member brings something very special to this production through their high energy performances, comic timing, and working so well together. This includes the community chorus who play a vital part in making this show the success it will undoubtedly be this summer.
As always, the cast is made up of actor-musicians and the compositions of Paula James set the tone for each scene, including the high energy fight scenes directed by Kaitlin Howard, and slick movement sequences produced by choreographer Grace Goulding. The creative team behind this production have pulled out all the stops to stage something truly special this summer.
From Irish bars in Liverpool to masked balls in the heart of Chester, and beyond, allow Sherlock Holmes to take you on an adventure this summer, all within the stunning location of Chester’s Grosvenor Park. Take a picnic or get a pizza, pop open a bottle of fizz and allow yourself to be entertained. Come rain or shine, this one is definitely worth buying a ticket for. You’ll be smiling all the way home.
Runs until 31st August
