Review: SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE VALLEY OF FEAR, Lichfield Garrick - Tour

Produced by Blackeyed Theatre, Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear is a clever adaptation of the fourth and final novel in the series written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring the dynamic duo of Holmes and Watson.

Cleverly adapted by Nick Lane, this is not Blackeyed Theatre’s first foray into the realm of Sherlock and Watson as they toured The Sign of Four in 2018, which also explains the fantastic rapport between Luke Barton and Joseph Derrington as they step back into the shoes of Holmes and Watson respectively.

Oliver Welsh’s lighting design brings Victoria Spearing’s cleverly adaptable set design to life. Eerie damask/Victoriana wallpaper with dark wooden floors, the simple yet effective demonstration of the infamous 112b Baker Street is swiftly adjusted to a grand Victorian manor and many other destinations. Welsh’s lighting carves up the stage beautifully, bringing depth, tension and visual dynamics to the play.

Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear has its clichés. A murder, a manor house and a letter that spurs our lead investigator into action. What sets this particular production apart is that two stories appear side by side. The murder investigation, with its sharp wit and attention to detail that inspires every audience member into amateur sleuthing, and a seemingly unconnected story of a secret society in the deep American south.

The first act feels a little slow at times as it sets the foundations, but your patience is abundantly rewarded. The talented cast take on multiple characters, each with its own costume, accent and mannerisms. The pace is to ensure you keep abreast of the many characters, locations and stories that contrapuntally weave in and out of one another. After establishing all of characters and locations, the energy and intensity increases, the tension rises and the focus sharpens to catch every hint of a clue until the multiple threads join for a tumultuous ending.

With mystery being at the core, we are reluctant to share any of the plot. The joy is in the guesswork, attempting (and failing) to keep up with the incredulous observation skills of Sherlock Holmes and be comforted to realise Dr Watson is equally mystified by Holmes’ powers of deduction. This is a solid ensemble production; five actors perform 20 characters with conviction and if you, like us, enjoy a good whodunnit, this will not fail to disappoint.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Alanna Boden

Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear tours until May 2023 and can be seen online, click here to find the option that suits you.