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Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four
14th May 2019 - 18th May 2019
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Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Adapted for the Stage by Nick Lane
Music composed by Tristan Parkes
Produced in association with New Theatre Royal Portsmouth and South Hill Park Arts Centre
“When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth”
Crammed full of adventure, romance, comedy and of course one or two rather brilliant deductions, The Sign of Four is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s epic second Sherlock Holmes tale, a breathtaking yarn brought to life in this spectacular new stage adaptation.
When Mary Morstan arrives at 221B, Baker Street to request help with the mystery of her missing father, Holmes takes the case and together with his companion Dr Watson enters a murky world of deception and trickery, unravelling a complex plot involving murder, corruption and stolen jewels.
Don’t miss Blackeyed Theatre’s stunning world premiere of Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four. Original live music, stylish theatricality and magical story-telling combine for an unforgettable theatrical experience. The game’s afoot!
Recommended for age 11+
★★★★ “THIS THRILLING PRODUCTION SPARKLES WITH EXCITEMENT AND WILL GIVE YOU A GEM OF AN EVENING” THEATRE NEWS
★★★★ “A TENSE & ENGAGING ACTION THRILLER FROM START TO FINISH” STAGE REVIEW
“A SUPERB, ORIGINAL PRODUCTION” EASTBOURNE HERALD
“CRAMMED FULL OF ADVENTURE, WELL-TIMED COMEDY AND SOME RATHER BRILLIANT DEDUCTIONS” GSCENE
★★★★★ “EXCITING AND INCREDIBLY ENTERTAINING” – THE SUSSEX NEWSPAPER
★★★★★ “OUTSTANDING” – WEEKEND NOTES
“A GLORIOUS TRIUMPH” – MATURE TIMES
“BUZZES WITH ENERGY, WIT AND MYSTERY” – BURY FREE PRESS
9/10 “CLUED UP ON HOW TO KEEP AN AUDIENCE ON ITS TOES” – LIVERPOOL SOUND & VISION
“COHESIVE, WELL CONSTRUCTED AND AMAZINGLY PERFORMED” – POLKA-DOT PAGES
9/10 “WILL HAVE YOU THRILLED FROM BEGINNING TO END” – VISABLE INC
“A MUST SEE” – CURIOUS REVIEWS
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Event Reviews
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Choice Radio Worcester
The first thing you notice as the show starts is the array of musical instruments which begin to be played as the actors come on stage, heralding an unusual start to the Conan Doyle classic The Sign Of Four, his second novel. For music is used throughout the play to clever effect, tying in very neatly with the script in the same way as you expect In a TV programme.
At the beginning, Holmes is his usual self: bored, lethargic and taking to “the needle” to keep him going until his interest is aroused by a female visitor with a case which she hopes he will take on. It involves the apparent disappearance of her father who gave her away at birth and who she hasn’t seen since. Moreover, she has been contacted anonymously via a newspaper ad indicating that there is a wrong which much must be righted. Meanwhile, his trusty partner in crime-solving, Dr Watson, is on hand to assist whilst at the same narrating the plot by talking directly to the audience.
Blackeyed Theatre’s cast of six have, with the exception of Holmes and Watson, to take on numerous characters each (particularly actor Christopher Glover who very convincingly alternated between a very British Police Inspector and various Middle Eastern/Indian parts) as the search for those involved in some missing treasure unfolds. The scenery itself has to serve different purposes too and the transformation into a boat, and the boat chase itself, are particularly well done. Also in the second half, the setting even changes continent as it moves to India where the initial plot was hatched.
Very well adapted and acted, the play is infused with comic moments throughout, often involving the official police constable Athelney-Jones who only reluctantly accepts Holmes’ theories or Holmes' own separation of "observation" and "deduction" which baffles Dr Watson. It also includes some welcome love interest for Watson as the future Mrs Watson, Mary Morstan, makes her first appearance in a Conan Doyle novel, so all's well that ends well!
Though we never do get to know the secret of The Spotted Dog…
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Les
What a wonderful variety of Music Set changes and Acting we witnessed last Night This was a very Enjoyable Rendition with all the 6 very Talented actors all playing a part .if you haven't booked Treat yourself to A well produced Sherlock Holmes Play
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Hugh
Dissapointed. Sound was poor and difficult to follow the plot.
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Johanna
Brilliant talented cast. 6 actors playing many different roles. Everything was so well executed from moving the scenery to changing characters . Thoroughly enjoyed it, excellent acting, instrument playing and singing .
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Alex
Excellent staging and engagement from the full cast.
The exposition was something I was concerned might be difficult to follow with the jumps from one timeline/set of characters to another but it was superbly directed and easy to follow...
Thoroughly enjoyed my favourite A.C. Doyle story being brought to life! Would love to see it again if/when it tours.
