Sound effects give Victorian detective mystery immersive qualities

Sherlock Holmes and the Sign of Four — a radio play

Kenton Theatre

Thursday, October 2

FROM the moment legendary Doctor Who veterans and long-term friends Colin Baker and Terry Molloy greeted each other on the stage at the Kenton, the audience knew they were safe with Baker as Sherlock Holmes and Molloy as sidekick, Doctor Watson.

The detective story, presented as if recording a live radio broadcast, featured lots of sound effects, courtesy of Imogen Jones and occasionally other cast members, which gave the whole thing an immersive feel.

With clip-clopping horses, wellies pounding the mud, bells, knocks, boats and the occasional dog barking, it was a clever way to give context, with the detectives en route to various locations, and to segue from scene to scene.

As Holmes revealed his simple, highly logical observational skills, Watson showed he was more in touch with his emotions, especially when it came to his feelings for Mary Morstan (played by Kate Ashmead).

The mystery involves Mary’s missing father, Captain Arthur Morstan, and the puzzling annual gift she receives of a valuable pearl, the latest of which has been sent with a letter inviting her to meet the unknown, gift-giving “friend”.

With the help of Holmes and Watson, Mary sets out to meet this friend, a man called Thaddeus Sholto, and they are taken to his country house, Pondicherry Lodge. There, Sholto tells Mary that her father is dead. He explains that Captain Morstan, along with his own father, Major John Sholto, had taken a secret Agra treasure from a penal colony on the Andaman Islands. But is the treasure cursed? A mysterious map seems to provide several clues.

Meanwhile, Sholto’s twin brother, Bartholomew, has barricaded himself in at the mansion. They rush to find him but he has been murdered, with a poisoned thorn above his ear — who did it, and how did they break in?

Inspector Athelney Jones of Scotland Yard follows the obvious lines, coming to conclusions and missing the finer details, while Holmes begins to deduce what went on through his methodology and logical thinking.

As they investigate, there is talk of a one-legged man and an accomplice from the Andaman Islands.

Meanwhile, Holmes has donned a sou’-wester and raincoat and gone out in disguise to follow up on his suspicions.

Eventually, everything comes to a head in a dramatic boat chase on the River Thames. The stories are brought to a satisfying ending and Watson and Mary’s nascent relationship strikes the perfect balance.

Baker and Molloy were supported by the versatile and multi-roleing Kate Ashmead, David Sandham and actor-director Martin Parsons.

The cast and creatives put together a show with heavy exposition and made it understandable, suspense-filled, pacey — and funny, ending on just the right note. Bravo.

Natalie Aldred