Moriarty

H`All Things Drama perform in a Methodist Church in a very limited stage space. Upon my arrival to see them perform Moriarty we were met with a full on visual treat. They had constructed two solid “wings” one on either side of the stage which also doubled up as dressing rooms. The front of the flats had been covered with enlarged printed pages from Sherlock Holmes books, to stage left was Dr Watson`s study complete with flame flickering fire, a wooden bookcase with books, a writing desk, a tiled fire surround, a mantle shelf with a clock, a skull, a bell, a candle stick holder and a lacy doiley – the attention to detail was absolutely exquisite! To the rear of the stage hung three maps of underground tunnels, there was a very small scaffold platform which was utilised in many ways through the performance (it started out as a large bookcase in Sherlock Holmes`s sitting room) on such a small stage it is a really good way to add a little height.  

The lighting in this performance space is very limited, but it was sympathetic to the scenes. No mic`s are used and sound was pretty good throughout - all sound cues came in on time. Costumes by Rissa Grant were superb, I especially liked the attention to detail – the sparkling neck broaches were a solid theme. Lisa Holt on hair and make up did a great job of working within the era of the drama. All props were handled well by the characters and were inkeeping with the era.

It was a good match both in physicality and artistically to have Mark Harrison and Adrian Middleton as Dr Watson. Adrian was in the dramatic unfoldings and Mark was narrating the tale. Both were seen on the stage at the same time but the way it was played it was obvious to the audience what was going on. Mark at times for me personally had his pace a bit too slow with too many Pinteresque pauses. Adrian is comfortable and unflappable on stage, his diction and projection was good, he has a very expressive face and allows the audience to almost read his characters thoughts as they flicker across his face. Russell Mansfield as Sherlock Holmes had very clear diction and certainly conveyed everything to the audience, he used all his stage space well and had some great chemistry with the other characters. He was smug and conveyed with absolute certainty that he was the most intelligent person in the room. Emily Ridgway played Irene Adler quite strident personally I would have liked to see more depth in her character, we got a glimpse of gentle softness but it was even less than fleeting. Her diction was good, as was projection.

Anjel Stevenson-Taylor as Mrs Barabas was a formidable character until we saw her cower in her interaction with the cold Moriarty (Adam Moss), she had some clear diction and her  projection was very good. Chris Williamson took on two roles in this production – one of which he learned in less than a week! I was impressed to see him off book and no prompts – Bravo! Chris as Mycroft Holmes was supercilious and sneering, his characterisation was solid, diction was good and projection great, he works his stage space well and makes a good connection with his audience.

The other peripheral characters were predominantly good although projection and pace needs a little work . I particularly enjoyed the puppet dog – it was very cute and well handled by Marie Williamson.

Thank you for inviting me. Both myself and my guest enjoyed your production of Moriarty and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.  

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