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Howling With Laughter
Hound
of the Baskervilles
Gateshead Little Theatre
Until Saturday 12th December
2015
Imagine
an adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Hound of the Baskervilles"
in which there are more laughs than mystery? The story has been carefully
adapted by Stephen Canny and John Nicholson. As an added twist, this
production, by the Progressive Players of Gateshead, has all 16 characters
performed by just 3 actors. The end result is very funny.
The
show opens as Sir Charles Baskerville meets his untimely end. Philip Alexanders
opens up an imaginary gate with creaking sound effects. In a simple gesture,
the audience have already started laughing for all of the right reasons. Any
worries are blown away as Daniel Wilde charges onto the stage to stop the
action and read a production warning notice. The Play That Goes Wrong is currently going down a storm in the West End and it is that wonderful
level of humour that has been achieved here.
James
Race plays Sherlock Holmes as they try to solve the riddle of Baskerville’s
death. Daniel Wilde is his faithful companion Watson. They discover that there
is one final Baskerville remaining, his nephew Henry, who is coming across from
Canada to visit the estate.
They decide to head to Dartmoor to get to the bottom of
the riddle. Holmes tries to remain the alpha male in each conversation even
though Watson has his fair share of breakthroughs.
The
cast clearly enjoy this show and it is the onstage chemistry between the 3 that
helps make this show work. Behind the scenes, the crew also have comic timing
with the lighting and sound effects and ensuring the props are ready.
At
a time of year when theatres are full of shows for children it is great to see
a show that adults will enjoy. Janet Wind’s direction has
resulted in a slick performance. There is a nice combination of breaking that
fourth wall and apparent “errors” on stage for the audience to laugh at.
Proving
that laughter isn’t for children this is the perfect antidote for the pantomime
season. This is a very funny show that is well worth seeking out.
Cast:
Jim
Race as Sherlock Holmes & many others
Phil
Alexanders as Sir Henry & others
Dan
Wilde as Watson & Local
Creatives:
Stage
Manager Terry Collier, Gordon Dunlop, Gavin Jaques,
Set
Design & Construction George Mavin, Peter Mitchell & John
Woods
Lighting
Sound Set by: Robbie Carruthers & Mike Swallow
Lighting
operate: Jenni Craig
Sound
Set: Marian Walker
Sound
Operate: Samantha Hutton
Directed
by: Janet Wind
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/littletheatregateshead/
Box Office: 0191 478 1499
Website: www.littletheatregateshead.com/
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