The Hound of the Baskervilles–A Digital Theatre Experience
Bottom Line
No strangers to digital streaming, Original Theatre have been called “the connoisseurs of virtual theatre” by WhatsOnStage. The Wall Street Journal praised their production of The Habit Of Art as “One of the most impressive theatre webcasts”. The Telegraph called their Birdsong Online “the best online play of lockdown”. So, for those who missed the experience—or are eager to sample more of the same—Digital Theatre has a treat in store.
For the next two weeks, the acclaimed theatre subscription streaming service, will be showing Original Theatre’s critically acclaimed comedy The Hound of the Baskervilles.
This innovative new production combines live-streaming with pre-filmed content and—for their Digital Theatre debut—this version of the show features unique wraparound content, with pre-show and interval entertainment in the form of hi-jinx with Niall Ransome (who plays Dr Watson in the production), a riotous Baskerville Bingo, and a post-show Q&A, hosted by Olivier Award-winning comedian Pippa Evans.
Co-produced with The Octagon Theatre, Bolton and recorded at Belgrade Theatre in Coventry, Digital Theatre’s show has shades of Holmes & Watson andWithout a Clue, with Doyle’s well-known tale farcically overhauled to give a new twist to the Gothic mystery.
World-renowned detective Sherlock Holmes and his colleague Dr Watson are asked to unravel the mystery surrounding the untimely death of Sir Charles Baskerville. With rumours of a giant hound loose on the loose moors, they must act fast in order to save the Baskerville family’s last remaining heir. So, far, so familiar, but while serious Sherlockians may wince at the comedy, the production well deserves its accolades. Combining the best-traditions of theatrical invention, ingenious adaptation, superb set design, and OTT performances, Original Theatre’s Sherlock is fine family entertainment, and shows what’s possible when trad theatre meets digital knowhow.
The show stars Jake Ferretti (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time) as Sherlock Holmes , Serena Manteghi (Welcome To Iran) as Sir Henry, and Niall Ransome (The Comedy About A Bank Robbery) as Dr. Watson.
The Hound of the Baskervilles–A Digital Theatre Experience is available On-Demand on Digital Theatre’s Events platform exclusively until 22nd May.
Paula Hammond - Features Editor
