The cast themselves are all very impressive too. Everything feels seamless, while ensuring that there is enough intensity to keep the audience’s attention – particular after a murder is committed. There are so many intricacies to the story- particularly when it comes to portraying the mysterious story about two men double-crossing a group of four convicts and escaping with fortune in ancient jewels, but it is handled with great flair and imagination, through the which it is staged but also through Claire Childs atmospheric lighting. The way in which Watson berates Holmes for not having shoes and socks on early into the show is actually quite charming. In this case it is utterly convincing – in fact the way in which it is portrayed by Luke Barton as Sherlock Holmes and Joseph Warrington as Dr John Watson makes them seem like a married couple, adding extra humour and depth to the friendship as well as the working relationship.

In particular, the central one between Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson has to be spot on to be utterly convincing that they make a great team. This is reinforced through Victoria Spearing’s rustic and imaginative designs and authentic costume design by Naomi Gibbs.īut as well as the unfolding mystery, the story is very much focused on the different relationships that emerge.

Through his adaptation and production, Nick Lane faithfully ensures that the Victorian setting is captured perfectly to ensure that the audience is effectively swept into the world of Sherlock Holmes. The story begins with Mary Morstan arriving at 221B Baker street to request the help of the the detective and Dr Watson in solving the mystery of her missing father, taking the trio into a world of corruption, betrayal and murder.

Yet by bringing the detective to the stage in this way, Nick Lane’s adaptation and production manages to retain the spirit of the original story and its characters.īased on Arthur Conan Doyle’s second Sherlock Holmes novel, The Sign of the Four is an engaging blend of mystery, murder and treasure that is compelling to watch with all of its twists and turns. Sherlock Holmes is such an iconic detective and having been brought to film and tv screens on many occasions it can be difficult to find a new way to bring him and his stories to life.

Sherlock the sign of four