Sherlock Holmes; the Hound of the Baskervilles
One of the most adapted Sherlock Holmes stories is told on stage by a single actor; Alan Groucott.
I’ll admit I was sceptical of a one-man staging of a Sherlock Holmes story, especially one as well-loved and frequently adapted as Hound of the Baskervilles but I needn’t of worried. Alan Groucott was captivating as Watson narrating his written account of events and re-enacting key moments from the text, able to embody the genius detective himself as well as the sympathetic Barrymores, self-assured Sir. Henry and enigmatic Stapletons.
A simple set of a table and chair with a prop gun and hat, Blue Orange Arts proves you don’t need an elaborate set to tell a compelling story. With the importance of seemingly minor details and its subplots told at-pace there is perhaps an advantage in already knowing the text when going into this 50 minute performance.
The narrative remains in it’s original chapter order, with Groucott’s Watson announcing the title of each as we reach them. This breaks up the action somewhat and I can see why some audience members found this jarring however I quite enjoyed this nod to Doyle’s original tale; Watson is a storyteller championing his friend and Blue Orange Arts maintains that zeal by reminding us that what we are hearing is Watson’s version of events.
One of the most famous speculative detective stories in the English language, Hound of the Baskervilles remains an enjoyable tale made more enjoyable by Blue Orange Arts’ simple but effective staging and Alan Groucott’s skilled delivery.
Attended 5 August 2024
Edinburgh FRINGE: Venue 43
Symposium Hall
A terrible scream—a prolonged yell of horror and anguish—burst out of the silence of the moor. That frightful cry turned the blood to ice in my veins.
Performer:
Alan Groucott
Image taken from the Blue Orange Theatre instagram page
