Jake Ferretti & Niall Ransome in THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES. Photo: Pamela Raith
Fun, fast-paced and farcical, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES is a three-handed masterclass in the art of comedic storytelling
It is 120 years since THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES first seeped into the public consciousness like the fog on Dartmoor. The original serialisation in The Strand magazine is arguably one of the most famous detective stories of all time. Still, it’s doubtful that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would have ever envisaged it would be retold by three people spread across the entire narrative – yet on a winter’s evening at The Lowry in Salford, here we are.
The current touring version of THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES is brought to us by a collaboration between Bolton Octagon Theatre and the Original Theatre Company, both highly respected award-winning theatre companies and rightly so. This production directed by Tim Jackson certainly does not disappoint.
Niall Ransome, Jake Ferretti & Serena Manteghi in THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES. Photo: Pamela Raith
It is a three-handed masterclass in the art of comedic storytelling. The pace is frenetic, the delivery slick and the throwaway lines are so deliciously delivered that they dance in the air. Combine this with visual comedy, slapstick, puns and even some sleight of hand, and you’re onto a winner.
Jake Feretti, Serena Manteghi and Niall Ransome are a joy to watch. The actors all revel in the energy they convey, be it the actual storyline or addressing the audience.
Manteghi and Feretti have multiple character costume changes, each one perfectly executed, with Manteghi showcasing an enviable line in accents – just not Canadian – as well as facial expressions that hail directly from farce.
Feretti portrays Sherlock Holmes with just a subtle hint to the late Rik Mayall. He acts up the petulance of Sherlock Holmes towards Dr Watson without turning it into a caricature.
Niall Ransome, Jake Ferretti & Serena Manteghi in THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES. Photo: Pamela Raith
As Dr Watson and occasional narrator, Niall Ransome does not have the same frantic costume changes but make no mistake. His Watson is not the one-dimensional foil that he is often portrayed as. His understated and subtle performance shows Dr Watson as a sensitive, if bumbling, straight man to Feretti’s Holmes, who has a nice little line in pearls of wisdom; never let us forget that a dog cannot give evidence in court.
During the two hours spent through the twists and turns of the plot, this production of Doyle’s detective classic is a joy, and the audience cannot help but be caught up in this adrenaline; the interval is very much required to catch your breath.
There is, however, a fourth star of the show, and that is the stage design of a raised and three-dimensional Baskerville Hall. This, along with the stage effects and clever lighting by Derek Anderson and Tim Speechly, helps create the sense of suspense on the Grimpen Mire and surreal fun with the appearance of a tango.
Above all, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES is a comedy that hits the spot. The audience is left with no doubt that they are seeing something very special, and their laughter is non-stop thanks to this well written, acted and directed farcical take on a much-loved classic.
THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES runs at The Lowry, Salford, until 5 February 2022.
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