The Hound of the Baskervilles - Sillier Than You Remember

Cast members James Rowley, Mark Carter and Michael Charrois

Running until May 3 at Studio 1398, Equity Collective Bad Dog Productions is presenting Sherlock Holmes' Greatest Adventure. It's a spoof make-over of The Hound of the Baskervilles adapted by a British comedy duo (John Nicholson and Steven Canny) which was such a hit in its 2007 premiere that it ended up touring the UK and transferring to the West End. 

Ellie King directs this fast-paced production featuring James Rowley, Mark Carter and Michael Charrois in multiple roles. Our intrepid detective Sherlock Holmes (Charrois) sports a fine French-ish accent and is flanked by a goofy Dr. Watson (Carter). They encounter young Sir Henry Baskerville (Rowley) with a fine Canadian dialect who tells of a hellish dog haunting the ancestral estate of the Baskervilles. Much sillliness ensues, sight gags fly by and you'll definitely chuckle (if not laugh out loud) at the cast's wild antics.  

It's undeniable that this production benefits immeasurably from having a very solid script. Based on a well-known story and beloved characters, the audience seemed comfortable with various twists and turns each embellished with farcical flourishes. And it's fun to see the cast playing with stereotypes of amateur theatre including overly broad characterizations, cheesy costume changes and certain actors taking themselves FAR too seriously.

Special props to Mark Carter for his facial expressions and to Stephanie Mira Bruce for her excellent onstage work as the Stage Manager / Fireplace Wrangler. It's true that this production is not exactly as Sir Arthur originally imagined it - which is just fine for us modern theatre-goers! If you're looking for a diverting evening out (and you can't find your copy of Michael Green's The Art of Coarse Acting), this production of The Hound of the Baskervilles may just fit the bill.

By Allyson McGrane
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