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15 September 2025
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5*****
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In recent years it has been something of a masterstroke by the producers of the Sidmouth Summer Play Festival to bring the season to a conclusion with a gloriously, completely bonkers piece of fun; thus we have had ‘The 39 Steps’ and ‘Ben Hur’ played for all its worth by a small cast with dozens of characters – this year we are presented with a version, by Ken Ludwig, of the classic mystery, ‘The Hound of the Baskerville’s’.
What is so good about these adaptations is that behind the mayhem the story stays pretty true to the original, but the action on stage is only developed through the rehearsal – it is not necessarily in the script. When you only have five days to rehearse a piece which has so many technical elements and five actors playing over forty characters, then you have got to work hard….very hard.
It is, therefore, a testament to all involved that this production reached the stage on time, even without the benefit of a full dress rehearsal – time just ran out. The result is a wonderfully silly, clever, inventive and very, very funny performance; almost Pythonesque at times it is so absurd, but it is entertaining on so many levels and difficult not to sit back and admire the artifice on show.
Andrew Beckett offers a masterclass of direction in terms of the ideas and the execution of such a complex production – he has directed all three of this kind of sub-genre –  and is well served by those on stage and backstage alike. He is also responsible for the set (indeed, he has designed all the fantastic sets in the season) which allows furniture to be pushed on and off with speed, for pillars to move and for it all to be done without any hydraulics – it all adds to the hilarity of the piece.
With as many costume changes as you could want to see, hats off to Janet Huckle whose work must have been cut out despite it being a small cast play. This is also a production which relies on a hardworking stage management team and Dominic McChesney and Rhys Cannon may be spotted fleetingly, but have to be completely on the ball to ensure everything gets on and off stage at the right time. James Prendergast, once again, has sourced and created dozens of props to add to the fun – an invaluable member of the company.
These type of production will fall at the first fence if there is a weak link in the cast – it is a huge challenge for the actors, especially the three who multi-role. Keeping as calm as possible and having your wits about you are two useful qualities which will help stave off blind panic and high anxiety. Costumes come on and off with electric speed and characterisations and accents change by the line. It’s wonderful to behold.
As Sherlock Holmes, Charlie Bryant, retains the calm persona of the character, he feels in control while it is madness all about. There is something about Bryant, he sets one immediately at ease, he is just so good and holds the stage magnificently. Alfie French has a lovely twinkle in his eye as Dr Watson and he too has an assured presence and confidence which is so comforting. Bryant and French work perfectly together. As for the three ‘Actor’ characters who carry the rest of the characters, well, they are a complete hoot! James Pellow, so beloved of the Sidmouth audiences and who made his debut at the Manor Pavilion in 2004, gives us the sinister (Barrymore), the creepy (Stapleton) and someone called Lucy (can’t really remember what she is, but it’s very funny). Whatever he does – even down to his ‘Castillian’ accent – you can’t help but be entertained. Sam McInnerny’s catalogue of personas includes Sir Henry Baskerville (with the broadest of Texan twangs), a camp, sweary Inspector Lestrade and an eavesdropping maid – among others. McInnerny demonstrates his mastery of comic business and timing in no uncertain terms. Holly Ashman (like Charlie Bryant) has been a part of all three of these finales and she, once again, shows what a brilliant comic actress she is, whether it be a small boy with tiny legs, the flirty Beryl Stapleton, or and this was probably my favourite character, the mysterious Mrs Barrymore – Swedish (I think) first name Inga and sporting long blond plaits – it is a masterpiece.
Yes, there may be a few rough edges around the sides, but these will sort themselves out, but when you consider the work that has gone into the production you cannot but stand back and admire. I laughed like a drain. It is the perfect way to end a tremendous season and the best tonic to forget that which is depressing or sadness.
The Summer Play Festival comes to an end; twelve plays over three months – it is a huge treat and a theatrical phenomenon. The Manor Pavilion Theatre in Sidmouth has hosted this event since 1958 and amassed well over 900 weeks of productions in that time – it is a unique theatre in this country with the longest running weekly repertory season. It should be lauded to the heavens and those who come to create and entertain should rightly be recognised. The 2025 Season has illustrated the sheer level of quality that is available to audiences in this small town; it has been theatre of such excellence that crowds should flock there for many years to come.
Cast
Sherlock Holmes – Charlie Bryant
Doctor Watson – Alfie French
Actor One – James Pellow
Actor Two – Sam McInnerny
Actor Three – Holly Ashman
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Creatives
Writer – Ken Ludwig
Director – Andrew Beckett
Set Design – Andrew Beckett
Costume Designer – Jan Huckle
Lighting Design – Chris Jackson
Sound Design – James Prendergast
Props Supervisor – James Prendergast
Set Builder – Rhys Cannon
Stage Manager – James Prendergast
Stage Management Team – Dominic McChesney & Rhys Cannon
Set Assistant – Dominic McChesney
Artistic Director – Paul Taylor-Mills
Associate Producer – Andrew Beckett
