Sherlock Holmes, A Night of Classic Entertainment.
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
By Lilian Harrington
Production: A Night of Sherlock Holmes
Writer: Arthur Conan-Doyle
Company: New Farm Nash Theatre
Director: Jason Nash
Location: The Brunswick Room, Merthyr Rd. Uniting Church, 52 Merthyr St.
New Farm
Season: Feb 20 – March 14, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 30pm Mat. 2. 00.p.m
New Farm Nash Theatre offers a smorgasbord of entertainment every year and opening night “A Night of Sherlock Holmes” was no different; It consisted of three plays featuring the popular, eccentric and arrogant detective, Sherlock Holmes, adapted from Arthur Conan-Doyle’s novel, into a radio play series.
Staged simply with microphones and the foley group of sound technicians, and a bust, of Sherlock Holmes, with hat and pipe, the actors presented in streamlined black and white styled period costumes, which covered the three decades each play represented. Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, were played by various actors in the three crime stories, which were chosen from the 1930’s, 1940’s, and 1950’s, when the CBS American production of the Sherlock Holmes Radio Series was played in the States and sponsored by different companies in each decade e. g. the 1930’s series featured Bromoquine Cold and Flu tablets
The first play The Adventure of The Speckled Band, featured Dominic Thurlow as Sherlock and David Hill as Doctor Watson, along with the talented Kiah Latham, as the damsel in distress. This story focused on a devious stepfather (Bruce Edgerton), who would stop at nothing, to prevent his twin stepdaughters from marrying and taking away the family fortune, left by their mother. This radio reading was typical of the era, but unlike some of the productions audience might see today, the story didn’t have the impact that it could have had in places, because it lacked the energy needed in places although Kiah Latham gave a good characterization.
Play two “A Scandal in Bohemia” featured Bruce Edgerton as the Bohemian King about to be wed. and he enlisted Sherlock’s skills to find a portrait painting he had had done with a well- known actress and have it returned before his wedding day. Exposure would bring him ultimate disgrace. Sherlock was played by Alex Thompson, and his off-sider Dr Watson, was played by Caleb Hockings, who used a local English dialect to highlight Watson’s character. This case was one that Sherlock couldn’t win; he was outwitted by the actress, played by the very clever Sandra Adsett.
Because the earlier radio series was aired in California, USA, the relevant commercials of the era were interspersed in the program. It was a little confusing at first when the same actors spoke in the American commercials, because they were aimed at the American audience of the day and promoted local products peculiar to the time.
The third radio play was The Case of the Blue Carbuncle; once again the director, Jason Nash, had changed the roles the cast played, so as to give the new scene a different edge. The character of Sherlock Holmes was played by Caleb Hockings and Dr Watson was played by the Matt McNeice, who gave Dr. Watson a commanding persona. As the director suggests this is a Christmas romp and a little “a tongue in cheek”; it begins with an abandoned holiday goose and ends with the capture of a jewel thief.
The production is supported by the talented Foley Team, led by Lara Latham, who create fun sounds using everyday objects; occasionally their stage antics detracted from the main action. More energy and emphasis were needed at times to create a bigger impact in places. The Sherlock Holmes radio series offers a classic theatre experience.
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Stage adaptations of familiar literary characters often highlight how format shapes interpretation, since pacing, sound design, and performance style can transform the audience’s perception of well known narratives. In discussions about shifting engagement models, references like The Pokies sometimes appear as metaphors for structured yet unpredictable audience attention.
I read the review of the Sherlock Holmes show, and it made me really want to see how they brought the classic mystery to life on stage. I once struggled with a tough unit in science and looked for online biology class help to understand cell structures better, just like trying to follow a tricky plot. It made me think how good support can turn confusion into fun learning.
Such a brilliant take on Sherlock Holmes, A Night of Classic Entertainment. The atmosphere, mystery, and timeless storytelling truly captivate the audience. It even inspires classic fashion choices like a jack brown jacket mens style. This event perfectly celebrates iconic detective drama.