The Secret Life of Sherlock Holmes

This is not a production recounting Holmes’ and Watson’s ingenious and

‘elementary’ investigations solving devious and dastardly crimes,

using Holmes’ powers of observation and deduction. It in fact,

looks into the private life of the great detective, his meeting of and

dependence upon Mr. Watson, his brilliance and outshining of his

counterpart. Holmes is portrayed as a troubled and complex genius, plagued

by addiction and schizophrenia, constantly searching for stimulation

for his great intellect. His nemesis, Professor Moriatti, provides

temporary respite from boredom, but is set upon Holmes’ destruction.

The play is well produced with an excellent set showing Victorian

London’s tired charm. Exclusive dialogue between Holmes Peter Egan

and Watson Philip Franks is sympathetic and accomplished. With

atmospheric music they maintain intensity and hols attention

throughout the production, but somehow interest is missing. Although

well written by Jeremy Paul and pulling many threads together, somehow the

whole concept fails to appeal.

Perhaps as a character study, this is an interesting piece. However,

if you are looking for a romp through a twisting, turning plot, this

is not it. As the winter returns to Scotland with a

vicious sting in its tail, you would be well advised to shut out the

elements and wrap up with a mug of cocoa and one of Sir Arthur’s tried

and tested novels.

– Rebecca Hale