SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE CHRISTMAS CAROL Weymouth Pavilion

YOU know the festive season is on the way when Charles Dickens’ iconic tale about Christmas arrives on the scene but Baroque Theatre Company have given the story an interesting new twist.

Enter Sherlock Holmes who is in a state of anger and despair as he seeks to discover why he is such a lonely man when he is surrounded by those who would be his friends.

In a replication of Ebenezer Scrooge, Holmes revisits his childhood and early manhood as characters from his past emerge and he slowly begins not only to understand himself but to appreciate and value the differences in other people.

A cast of eight take on numerous roles as fictional characters from Conan Doyle’s works emerge to challenge Holmes’ self indulgent opinion of himself and as the ghosts of the past, present and future appear before him, he is given a few lessons in humility and kindness.

Somewhat eccentric staging makes this production a bit of a mystery at first as weird lighting effects together with background voices and echoes distract one from the action taking place on stage and it is not always clear just who the sundry ghostly characters are supposed to be as they appear from the mist.

But the second half brings a bit of clarity to the plot and all ends happily ever after as you would expect.

The production is currently on a national tour throughout the winter season.

MARION COX