Image Credits:-
Many thanks to the Chameleons for kind permission to use their photos. Other images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos (and in one case my picture of the excellent programme!).
It was with great pleasure I met with Janet Williams at Richie Hall to watch the latest production from The Chameleon Theatre Group. I love Sherlock Holmes tales so this was a win-win. Congratulations must go to the Chameleons for a sell out performance on all three nights from 27th to 29th October 2022.
Janet and I took in the Thursday night performance. It was great to meet up with Gopi Chandroth too and he refers in his review to one of the joys of the live theatre experience – the unexpected event! In this case, it was a picture falling down from the set. See more on this here.
Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery at Mallen Hall was written by Richard James.
So what makes a great detective story, whether it is read or, in this case, acted? See my “recipe” below.
Sherlock Holmes and The Mystery at Mallen Hall
Premise: Without Mrs Hudson to keep him in check, can Sherlock Holmes solve the mystery surrounding the deaths at Mallen Hall, including that of the family dog, Bounder?
Ingredients
- Known amateur detective of great intellect. Got that. One Sherlock Holmes is in the building, literally. Played by Dave Wilkins.
- Trusty sidekick. Useful if they’re handy with a gun. More intelligent than usually given credit for. Got that. One Doctor John Watson is in the building, literally. Played by Wayne Bradshaw.
- A member of staff, in this case a housekeeper. No. Not Mrs Hudson, who for the purpose of this story is on a break in Scotland, but a stand-in recommended by her – Mrs Bessom played by Glen Partridge. (Also helpful if they’re not intimidated by the brilliance of the boss and are happy to speak their mind when needed. Mrs Bessom delivers on both counts). Often throws up illumination to help the great detective solve the case.
- A cast of characters, all of whom have got motives, means, and opportunities to be the murderer once it is established the death, in this case of Sir Howard Latham, was not a natural one. Here the characters concerned are Miss Emily Latham (played by Gillian Wilkins), Mr Roger Latham (played by Matthew Meehan), and Mrs Irene Latham (played by Annette Trenchard).
- A professional police officer who disparages amateur efforts but is proven wrong. Got that. This was the character of Inspector George Wilkes (played by Nick Coleman).
- A set reflecting the era of the story with well chosen props. Yes, there was the violin on the bookshelf. There was a wealth of reference books. There was a mantelpiece on which stood a range of Holmes’ pipes. There was a desk. There was a fire.
- There was also Holmes’s “chemistry” set which was used in this story. (No mention of Holmes’ personal interest in drugs for this tale. Still makes Holmes a controversial character even now). And yes, Holmes did wear his smoking jacket when we first see him on stage. He changes into his great coat for when his client turns up. We only see the famous deerstalker hat right at the end of the play but I thought that was a nice touch as it wasn’t over emphasized.
- Twists and turns to keep the audience guessed. Loads of them. Very big ticks here. It was almost a case of “blink and you’ll miss it”. You did need to pay attention but with a great story, excellently performed, that was no problem.
Method
- At the start of the play, Holmes is clearly bored and looking for something to work on – that’s a good cue for a mystery to come his way. Sure enough it does when he receives a letter from Miss Emily Latham asking to see him. What intrigues Holmes is the letter has been intercepted, opened, and read by persons unknown, before it is sealed again and sent to him. Here we have the inciting incident – the letter and Holmes’ recognition it has been tampered with.
- When Miss Emily Latham sees Holmes, she is accompanied by her brother, Roger, who thinks his sister’s attitude to their father’s death is nonsensical. All the evidence does point to a natural death, especially when Dr Watson confirms some of the symptoms Emily lists are consistent with diabetes. Holmes spots someone keeping an eye on the flat and realises whoever it is must be watching Miss Latham’s movements for unknown reasons.
- First twist comes with the revelation the dead man had an injury to the back of the head which isn’t explained by his falling as he died. Nor does Holmes believe it is a coincidence the dog died a few days ahead of Sir Howard himself. (I thought the death of the dog was someone trying out their method on someone ahead of their intended victim. This is common in crime fiction).
- Matters are made worse by snowfall meaning Sherlock cannot go to the scene of the crime. Mallen Hall is in Norfolk. So Sherlock decides on a reconstruction right there at 221b Baker Street. It is as well, Roger’s wife, Irene, was an actress. She plays a superb part here. A character playing a character. Interestingly done. And she is brought into the story because she brings a book, which proves to be crucial to the case, to 221b Baker Street, when Holmes sends one of his Baker Street Irregulars with a message to her to do so.
- There are several reveals which twist and turn the story so you think this character must be the murderer and then you realise no, it must be someone else. This is a sign of an excellently crafted story. It is also a sign of excellent acting as the actors have to convince you via their performances. (Oh and a huge well done for soldiering on despite the picture falling down, which made everyone in the hall jump).
Results!
The murderer is revealed. The reason is revealed. Now my problem with reviewing a detective story is how to do so without giving spoilers.
But I will say Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery at Mallen Hall is a great story. The Chameleons performed it wonderfully and their set was fabulous. Enough little details to set the scene and make you feel as if you were in Baker Street. I suspect this was why the falling picture made us all jump. We were too busy concentrating on taking in the latest twist and trying to work out how the play would end. That is how it should be too.
At several times the characters had to seem to be looking into the distance (especially when looking out for the person watching the flat). There is only about two to three feet between the stage and the front row where Janet and I were sitting. Well done, Chameleons. You were thoroughly convincing here. I would’ve thought that would not have been easy.
Also not easy would have been learning the lines for this one. Why? Simply because Sherlock is a wordy character, funnily enough. He has to explain his methods and his results to Watson at least. The two male leads had so much to learn here. Well done, Dave Wilkins and Wayne Bradshaw.
Janet and I had a brief chat with Dave and with Matthew Meehan after the show. We touched on the topic of learning so many lines with Dave. This is also the problem with a play. An awful lot of information must be conveyed through dialogue. But it was done very well.
Janet and I didn’t envy the cast here, but particularly not Holmes and Watson! After all I can edit my lines after I’ve written them… one advantage to being a writer. I don’t have to remember many of them either! Even when reading at Open Prose Mic Nights, I can take my books with me!
It was also nice to talk to Matthew about his role as Roger Latham. There were hidden depths to that character and as the direct heir, he has the most to gain from his father’s death. Doesn’t necessarily make him the murderer though. Does make a great character to be set up by someone else. The joy of detective stories like this is working out which is the case here and I’m not telling. No spoilers!
But if you love a good detective story, this is a great one. It was well done. And I hope that those who went to see it performed by The Chameleons on the Friday and Saturday nights loved it, and the performance of it, as much as Janet and I did.
What Next for The Chameleons?
It will be panto time for The Chameleons next. Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is! They will be staging Pinocchio the Pantomime by William Glennon from 21st to 28th January 2022. (Ticket prices will be: Adults £10.50, Seniors £9.50, and Children £6.50). Be sure to book early. And do keep an eye on The Chameleons’ Facebook page and their website for details of when tickets will be available.
Conclusion
It was a wonderful evening’s entertainment at the Ritchie Hall for Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery at Mallen Hall. I had wondered if this was a spoof. The title did seem like one to me. It isn’t though there are funny lines throughout the play. (And some unintentional humour due to the falling picture!).
I love trying to play guess the villain. I do this when reading crime fiction and enjoy it when I get it right. I enjoy it even more when I don’t. Why? Because it means the author has successfully wrong-footed me and I then go back through the story again to spot the clues I missed first go round. (Great technique for writers to learn from by the way).
Here I was wrong-footed and was pleased to be so too.
Related Posts:-
Read interviews with Chandler’s Ford writer Allison Symes: Part 1 and Part 2.
Read blog posts by Allison Symes published on Chandler’s Ford Today.
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What a brilliant review, Allison! Really sharp observations and it’s such an insightful piece. Got it! You’ve captured the play so brilliantly and I must say I had missed some details (blink and you’ll miss it!), and this review has really helped me join the dots together. The actors are all so professional and the evening was such a treat. Thank you once again for this review.
Thanks, Janet. It was a great evening.