Fringe review: SHERLOCK HOLMES THE LAST ACT, Fringe Management - Edinburgh Festival Theatre

It's 1916 and Holmes has been drawn out of two years of retirement for his dear friend Dr Watson's funeral. Returning to Baker Street, Holmes resolves 'the last act' and a theatrical evening unfolds with 14 characters, cross examinations and heated arguments between Holmes and Watson.

Written by Conan Doyle expert David Stuart Davies, Holmes fans will not be disappointed with the style of the piece as it has been kept very much on brand. Directed by Gareth Armstrong, the set is Holmes’ study, with the action and storytelling taking place in his memory rather than being played out.

Nigel Miles-Thomas plays Holmes. Primarily he looks and sounds the part, as much as we have come to imagine how the detective would look and sound after years of television depictions. His retelling of events is animated in a logical manner and honesty is of course present, delivered with a dry sense of humour and a graceful stature.

The script is a fascinating insight in to why the elusive Holmes became the man that he was, exposing his weaknesses and the consequences of events in his life.

Simply elementary....my dear, Besties.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Sherlock Holmes The Last Act plays in the Grand Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons Hall at 4.25pm until 26 August.