Review: The Hound of the Baskervilles at the New Vic Theatre*

[Ad-gifted] I was at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme last night to watch Steven Canny and John Nicholson’s acclaimed adaptation of The Hound of The Baskervilles.

The Hound of the Baskervilles was first published in 1902 – over 120 years ago – by which time its protagonist, Sherlock Holmes, had already become a household name. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, probably somewhat irked by the popularity of his pipe-smoking, deer-stalker-wearing hero, attempted to kill off Sherlock Holmes but was thwarted by a public revolt. So in 1901 Sherlock was resurrected by Doyle for his lead role as detective to investigate the mysterious hound of the Baskervilles, a demon dog that stalked its prey in Dartmoor and had allegedly slain local dignitary Sir Charles Baskerville.

On arrival in Dartmoor, Sherlock Holmes has a tangle of clues and myths to navigate, including coveted inheritances, secret relations, nosey neighbours, an escaped convict named Selden and of course, a diabolical black hound.

The changing face of Sherlock Holmes

Last night’s performance is a comedy show based on these events. The evening kicks off with some subtle, chilling music and very effective stage lighting and presence. Then the actors break the fourth wall and we, the audience, are being addressed – are we scared? Do we want to leave now? It is of course, a repeated party of the comedy, but I felt this severance of the suspension of disbelief was abrupt.

The programme is a little work of art, with pretty illustrations of the costumes. The tone on stage was more vibrant, the costumes more pantomime, the acting well-executed yet close to slapstick. So popular is Sherlock Holmes that it only takes a few trademark props to immediately recognise him: his deerstalker, his pipe, the catchphrase ‘Elementary, my dear Watson.’ And his trusty sidekick, Dr Watson, is the perfect foil.

To be sure, some of us had come along expecting something different; this is a modern comedy production. Dr Watson is a woman – Alyce Liburd is the lively character who plays him. The four actors play different roles: Stage Manager Jerone Marsh-Reid did a great job of ‘blending in’ – even wearing a rock on his head! Tom Richardson played Sir Charles and doubled up as his heir later on. Alex Phelps was great in his role as Sherlock, and also rocked a pink dress as the sister (I can still hear the plaintive cry ‘Cecille!’). Yet the comedy is so packed with gags and comedy action (clothes that drop off, toy guns, rumbling props and more) that the original story is almost dragged along as an unwilling companion to the crazy onstage chaos.

The props need a mention. The rolling front door of 221B Baker Street was my favourite, and much use was made of it. There isn’t room at the New Vic for lots of stage props, but the carefully chosen few were more than enough. And the use of sound with mime was brilliant – allowing the opening of gates and doors that simply weren’t there.

This comedy could have hung its hat on any play of the era and still be pulled off… it wasn’t so much about the hound, or Sherlock, or Dr Watson… they were there to be sent up. The humour went in a different direction to what I was expecting, for sure. I heard a man above me gently tell his companions at the interval that it was ‘not my cup…’ Yet it was very funny for the right people – the guy to my right was guffawing in delight all the way through! Do go along for a good laugh at a barrage of gags! But be prepared, afficionados of the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – this is not the story you might know it to be.

CAST

Alex Phelps – Sherlock Holmes

Alyce Liburd – Dr Watson

Jerone Marsh-Reid – Jay the Stage Manager

Tom Richardson – Sir Charles Baskerville

CREATIVES

Joyce Branagh – Director

Elizabeth Wright – Designer

John Harris – Lighting Designer

Lee Affen (Affen Audio) – Composer and Sound Designer

Nick Haverson – Physical Comedy Director

Beverley Norris-Edmunds – Choreographer

Anji Carroll – Casting Associate

PRODUCTION

Martin Thompson – Production Manager

Steve Hall – Company Stage Manager

Catherine Farish – Deputy Stage Manager

Olivia Tellier – Assistant Stage Manager

Molly Ferneyhough – Crew

How much are the tickets for The Hound of the Baskervilles ?

Tickets are on sale now, priced from £15 to £42.  

How do I book tickets to watch The Hound of the Baskervilles ?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.

How long will The Hound of the Baskervilles be running for and what are the timings?

The Hound of the Baskervilles will run until Saturday, 14 March 2026 with evening shows at 7.30pm and Matinee at 2.15pm (on Saturdays).  There is an interval after the first hour and the evening show roughly ends at 10pm.

Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?

New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG

Parking and refreshments

The theatre has a large car park, with a £2.50 charge on show days (contactless card/phone payment made to the on-site attendant or cash payment inside the theatre). Additional parking is available next to the Borough Hotel, just down the road. Parking at the theatre is free before 6pm.

The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5.30pm for pre-show meals.

Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards via their booking system at this link.

About The New Vic Theatre

Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council.

Review by Metia Bethell

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Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre/Andrew Billington