Taking a 10 year old boy to a theatre performance was a brave move, but when a venue is earning the reputation as the best theatre in the Cotswolds a harsh critic is needed to test rumours.
On Monday my son and I braved a cold and misty night to watch the new production of The Hound of the Baskervilles at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester.
Billed as a comedy adaptation of a chilling classic, set in a theatre boasting sound, lighting and direction that would make many London venue’s jealous, it seemed like a sure fire bet. But did it live up to expectations?
Yes, then it surpassed them, then cleverly encouraged us to raise those expectations, before reminding us that it is ridiculous to have expectations about fantastic comedy theatre, far better to just enjoy it instead.
During the production the three actors, who played a startling number of characters, held the audience transfixed - effortlessly slipping from good old fashioned British slapstick, to carefully observed character performance.
One minute Holmes, played by Bristol Old Vic graduate, Herb Cuanalo would be commanding the stage as the *cough* second best detective in Europe, and the following he set hearts aflutter as a Hispanic temptress.
Equally engaging, even to a cynical 10 year old, were the many characters played by Hywel Dowsell and Dominic Brewer.
Never has a Watson been more lovably bumbling, while inadvertently saving the day of course, and Brewer’s understated performance, quietly steals the stage during many scenes.
The sound, lighting and set design were of course perfect, immersing the audience in the play, rather than distracting from it.
At moments when we were all lost on a desolate moor surrounded by spine-chilling howls, at one point the whole audience joined the cast in a sauna.
Would whole-heartedly recommend the Hound of the Baskervilles - make sure you see it at the best theatre in the Cotswolds.
l Hound of the Baskervilles Barn Theatre, Cirencester until Nov 24.
More details: bit.ly/BarnHound
Cass gave the show a perfect 10 out of ten - apparently it was just the right balance of comedy, drama and horror.
Also he really liked the fact that I let him have two fizzy drinks as a special treat.
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