A coded message? The game’s afoot in Newbury ‘Sherlock’ mystery

Blackeyed Theatre: Sherlock Holmes The Valley of Fear, at the Corn Exchange, from April 26-27, Review by ROBIN STRAPP

Bracknell-based Blackeyed Theatre returned to the Corn Exchange following their successful production of Teechers Leavers ‘22 in February.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s final novel Sherlock Holmes The Valley of Fear, adapted and directed by Adrian McDougall, is effectively brought to life by this hardworking cast of five who together play 20 different characters – quite a challenge.

It’s an unusual and complicated plot since two different stories run in parallel taking the audience on a journey from 221B Baker Street to Birlstone Manor House in West Sussex in 1915 and then back in time to 1875 to the windswept landscape of the coalfields of Pennsylvania.

Victoria Spearing’s wooden set structure cleverly captures the opulence of the English Manor house with panels of William Morris wallpaper contrasting with the sparse American outback. Oliver Welsh’s lighting and Tristan Parkes’ sound greatly adds to the atmosphere.

When a coded message is delivered to Holmes the games afoot!

Luke Barton reprises his role as Holmes with confidence and he embraces the character like a well worn glove. Joseph Derrington plays the ever faithful Doctor Watson and also narrates the piece which, with its complex narrative is much appreciated.

On arrival at Birlstone Holmes discovers “the most brutal crime I’ve ever seen”. John Douglas, the owner, has been shot in the head and a sawn off shotgun is nearby. Suspicions rest on a frequent guest to the house, Cecil Parker, but Holmes deduces that it must have been someone from outside that committed the murder.

The backstory involves a return trip to Vermissa Valley Pennsylvania where a secret society formed from the coal miner’s union is a cover for a murderous gang of thugs.

There is a spoiler that’s needed as Douglas’s real name was Birdy Edwards who escaped to England to avoid the gang.

Blake Kubena, Gavin Molloy and Alice Osmanski give impressive multi rolling performances as all the other characters.

But what part does Holmes’ nemesis Moriarty have in this mystery?

You had to keep your wits about you and the unexpected twist in the end takes the audience completely by surprise.