SHERLOCK HOLMES & THE CASE OF THE JERSEY LILY

This play features the burglary and blackmail plot of Lillie Langtree, a well known actress and close associate of “Bertie” the Prince of Wales. Some love letters and a photograph have been stolen. Lilllie has a writer friend, Oscar Wilde, who suggests she consults with Sherlock Holmes to solve the case. 

We start with the burglary and then move to see Sherlock Holmes in his office with his assistant Dr Watson. Sherlock was played excellently with great assertiveness and stage presence. Watson had some lovely comedic moments which made the audience chuckle. Lillie and Oscar come to ask Sherlock for help. Lillie spoke eloquently and performed well throughout. Oscar Wilde was an absolute star performance. His speech and mannerisms were superb. 

We move to Lillie’s house where “Gertrude Paget” aka Sherlock has come t ovisit. He plans to be there when the blackmailer comes to collect the ransom money. Lillie’s maid Irma Tory allows John Smythe in to collect the money but he doesn’t succeed. 

Next we move to Professor Moriarty’s residence. He is the perpetrator of the crime with Irma Tory/Kitty and John Smythe his collaborators. Moriarty played his part well and was particularly unpleasant. Some good acting by Kittyas the nice housemaid but nasty, failed actress. John Smythe, Kitty’s nephew was played brilliantly by a female actor and encompassed the role well. 

Lillie is taken hostage and tied to a chair at the gasworks. She then discovers who the villains are. Holmes and Watson arrive and manage to cause  adistraction to enable the innocent to escape. 

Sir Henry Ponsonby, Mrs McGlynn and the henchmen played good supporting roles.

The set was good with clever use of the arched window. From Holmes residence the view was black smog. At Lillie Langtree’s house, a lovely outlook and later the view of St Paul’s cathedral from the other side. The gas workswas very effective with the pipe works across the front of the stage.Costumes and makeup were great. 

Overall a good performance which the audience enjoyed with some unexpected laughter. An enjoyable evening of entertainment. Thank you for inviting me.

 

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