Genesian Theatre’s new production SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE DEATH ON THOR BRIDGE is a classic whodunit and a world premiere. Sandra Bass has adapted an Arthur Conan Doyle short story that features a death on a bridge, a bizarre series of shootings using antique firearms, a drug war in London’s East End, a housekeeper with something to hide and a bumbling detective. Sherlock Holmes’ powers of deduction and eagle eyed search for clues are, of course, put to the test.
The evidence all points toward Grace Dunbar, an intelligent and independently minded governess. She is the chief suspect for the murder of her employer’s volatile and passionate Brazilian wife. The police think she is responsible but this would not be a Sherlock Holmes story if the obvious solution is the correct solution. The twists and turns and the building suspense are balanced by some light melodrama and humorous touches. Modern sensibilities are respected with acknowledgement of the mistreatment of women and the unconscionable behaviour of banks.
Carlin Hurdis’ direction is excellent and the cast’s delivery of lines with a requisite hint of emotion and exaggeration is a pleasure to experience. Myles Waddell as the slightly overwhelmed Detective Philips gives an excellent performance and Patrick Magee as Sherlock Holmes is impressive. I thought it was a clever touch that the household maids were also the stagehands.
The full cast includes Patrick Magee as Sherlock Holmes, Nick Fitzsimmons as Dr John Watson, Joanne Coleman as Grace Dunbar, Krassy Alexandrova as Senhora Sofia, Shane Bates as Anne Moffat, Myles Waddell as Detective Philips, Kate Smytheman as Maisie Jones, Dean Tuttle as Roger Gibson and Victoria Helen as Mrs Turner.
Production and crew are: Director Carlin Hurdis, Assistant Director Emma Whitehead, Set Design Tom Bannerman, Costume Design Susan Carveth, Lighting and Sound Design Michael Schell, Composer Nick Lee, Stage Manager Victoria Helen, Lighting and Sound Operation Mia Flockis and Ella Monti.
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE DEATH ON THOR BRIDGE is playing the lovely Genesian Theatre,, 420 Kent Street, Sydney until Saturday 4th April, 2020.