Sherlock Holmes and the Poison Wood.

Bringing Sherlock Holmes into the modern world is quite a challenge. In Sherlock Holmes and the Poison Wood Metta Theatre launches Sherlock Holmes into a world that the original Holmes would never have recognised. Especially performed with musical numbers throughout the performance.

Dr Watson’s (Me’sha Bryan) children being a whizz on all the latest social media platforms she enlists their help to spread the word of the unsolved cases that Sherlock Holmes (Dylan Wood) has solved. Although he deeply objects to any of the fame and publicity.

Clues are all around you if you look closely. Sherlock Holmes has an acute mind and sees things that aren’t always obvious to everyone else. Wood’s portrayal of Holmes brings to life the quick witted mind of the historic sluth.

Protestor Yarri Tramaly (Em Williams) approaches Sherlock to help solve the poisoning that has taken place in the woods during their protest. As expected, there’s more to this case than just a mishap eating a rogue mushroom found on the woodland floor!

With Holmes arch enemy Jan Moriarty (Gillian Kirkpatrick) connected to the company near the forest where the poisonings are taking place, he needs to make the connection and attempt to stop her before anyone else’s life is put in danger.

Marlon Lestrade (Richard P. Peralta) offers some food for thought musical numbers when explaining his relationship with food. Who knew you could make a whole musical number about eating your “Greens” complete with dancing vegetables.

The production would benefit from a larger stage. Although the special effects and lighting, especially when Holmes and Watson are running through the tunnels, is captivating and appears realistic with suspending your disbelief.

For more information on Sherlock Holmes and the Poison Wood and future productions at the Watermill Theatre please use the link below.

Four Stars.