The Hound of the Baskervilles

Sell a Door Theatre Company knocked it out of the park with this atmospheric, chilling production of Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles - playing until Sunday 8th. Sell a Door have developed a reputation for high quality mid-sized theatre, as one of the few companies operating on this scale with no regular public funding and this production does much to cement their place as producers of great theatre.

The action is set entirely in one room, as Sir Henry returns to inherit the estate of his late uncle who died in mysterious circumstances. The adventure takes off as renowned detective Sherlock Holmes arrives to put an end to the mystery of the curse of the Baskervilles, which is closing in on its next victim.

This production had the highest possible production values, with excellent use of space to create the dull and dark Baskerville hall. The lighting design and mist effects built a great tension that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. One of the best features of the production was its score, which lifted the action from scene to scene effortlessly.

Outstanding performances came from lead Christopher Anderton as Sherlock Holmes, Phillip Rowntree as Dr Watson and Jamie Hampson as maid Perkins. The cast worked very well as an ensemble, and were directed with insight and skill by David Hutchinson.