Hound of the Baskervilles

Hound of the Baskervilles 
“But not as you know it“
Adapted by Steve Canny and John Nicolson.
Performed by Too Friendly Theatre Company
At the Bijou Cinema Southport 
On 13th November 2025

The plot follows the general storyline of the original but is described as a fast-paced spoof.

A minimal cast with maximum roles...
JOANNE WASILEW.... Playing Sherlock Holmes, Cecile, Train Guard.    
JEN JOHNSON .... Playing Dr Watson 
TRACY HOLMES SMITH .... Playing Sir Charles Baskerville and Doctor Mortimer 
HELEN HEYGARTH .... Playing Yokel, Slasher Seldon and Cabbie. 
CLIFF GILLIES .... Playing Barrymore, Mrs Barrymore and Yokel. 

I have to confess Farce is not usually my preferred theatre genre, so I wasn't sure what to expect in a play that combines Farce, Comedy, Melodrama and at times Monty Pythonish humour. It was a surprise to find myself laughing throughout at so many absurd and extraordinary events in one play. On a superficial first read, this play could look reasonably straightforward to direct and perform, but OH MY GOODNESS, how many traps lay waiting for the inexperienced or overconfident actor!

Within the first five minutes no one could have any doubt that this production was in the hands of a very experienced and imaginative Director and cast.... 

Tracy Holmes Smith... what an entrance, you grabbed the audience and instantly transporting them into the Gothic World of Sherlock Holmes. Lovely facial expressions giving depths to the character through the eyes and perfectly matched body language. 

Jen Johnson... ‘Dr Watson’ was instantly established... a believable lovely, over the top character. As with all of the characters the parts call for a level of exaggerated acting. This was consistent throughout and consummate with the characters personality. Your comedy timing; as with all of the actors in this production – was perfection. 

Helen Haygarth ... A perfect example of how you can make a small part memorable. You inhabited all of your characters especially ‘The Yokel’. 

Cliff Gillies ... Barrymore, Mrs Barrymore and Yokel – OMG totally convincing particularly the character of Mrs Barrymore... a ‘masterclass’. 

Joanne Wasilew ... when all of the actors in a play are convincing, believable and give the perfect level of emotion to their character, it is genuinely difficult to pick a ‘stand out performance’, but I have to say Joanne did just that... you captured each character with a delightful authenticity, be proud!  

Praise must also go to ELSIE JOHNSON and Mark Haygarth for the design and construction of so many imaginative props.... ‘The Steam Room’, ‘Railway Station’, ‘Stand up bed’, the ‘Window frame with the candle and blowing leaves. 

Perfect character enhancing costumes with some dizzying changes, all added to the sense of fun! 

Sometimes you hear people, who rarely go to the theatre, mention "Am Dram"... usually with a look and 'Well they do their best" connotations, I would have happily invited any of them to see this production. A triumph for all involved. 

David Davies 
N.O.D.A NW
District 6
Assistant Rep

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