‘Individually brilliant, combined. . . they excel with a superb display of physical theatre and cleverly choreographed routines’
Long time Pantaloon Christopher Smart turns his talented hands to directing with this fiendishly fun adaptation of one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most infamous tales from fellow ‘Loon, writer and producer Mark Hayward.
When the untimely death of Sir Charles Baskerville occurs at his Devonshire estate, surrounded by desolate moorland, locals conjecture that he was killed by a legendary beast that stalks the family. His heir, Sir Henry (Martha Cranston), arrives from Canada and with his friend Dr Mortimer (Alex Rivers), takes the case to Holmes (Alex Hargreaves) who refuses to believe the supernatural tale despite some evidence supporting it. Watson (Ivan Wilkinson) is dispatched to the moor to investigate where amongst an array of intriguing characters, portrayed by the ensemble, sinister goings on unravel and it is soon discovered that the truth is far stranger than fiction…
There is a story to be told but the skill, much to the delight of the audience, is in its telling and this is where The Pantaloons score highly every time: bearing in mind our cast of four weren’t the only thing taking off in the vicinity of Speke Hall, they landed every line and laugh with aplomb.
The staging is pleasingly simple with an array of costumes, props and musical instruments visibly close to hand allowing for quick changes and for the action to segue from scene to scene. Without a pause? Not entirely because alongside their acting prowess and musical dexterity, we are served up much quick-witted ad-libs and improvisation that has become the trademark of this impressive touring company.
One of the standout features is the quickly established relationship with the audience that sees both cast and audience very much an extension of the other: this is less breaking the fourth wall, and more not having it there in the first place, and you need to be competent and confident in your performance to pull that off, and there is no question we had both in droves tonight.
Wilkinson on his Pantaloons debut has the challenge of playing a singular character and occupying the stage for much of the time but he revelled in the opportunity with a great all-round performance.
Cranston is another newcomer, but you wouldn’t have guessed it as she moved seamlessly between an array of very different characters capturing their idiosyncrasies to a tee in her own delightful way.
Hargreaves has a few ‘Loon years under his accomplished belt and serves up an impressive turn as Holmes, demonstrating an accomplished mastery of theatrical form and use of space with some superb in the moment improvisations that even had fellow cast members laughing.
Rivers is a longstanding ‘Loon and whilst still very much young in years, must now be considered a national treasure as she serves up her own special dose of mischief and mayhem that had us in fits of laughter from the off and will still have us smiling at the memories in the days that follow.
Individually brilliant, combined, under Smart’s direction, they excel with a superb display of physical theatre and cleverly choreographed routines that match up a little seriousness with a lot of silliness to the rhythm and rhyme of Haywood’s remarkable lines.
The Pantaloons were established at the University of Kent in 2004 by Hayward, Caitlin Storey and Stephen Purcell. They are a bright and vibrant theatre company whose style draws from a wide variety of popular theatre traditions. There is a strong element of collaboration, both within the group and with their audience, that is evident with an emphasis on physicality and sensitive interaction.
Further details and booking information for Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles and their other current touring productions – The (almost) Complete History of Britain and Twelfth Night – can be found at https://thepantaloons.co.uk/shows/
Review Date: 1st July 2026
Star Rating: FIVE