Superb acting and technical expertise deliver a gripping production

George Ormerod and John-Robert Partridge. Photo by Andrew Maguire.

Sherlock Holmes and The Sign of Four. Performed by Tread the Boards at The Attic Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. Running until 8 March 2026. Directed by John-Robert Partridge.

Review by Charles Essex

The Sign of Four is one of Conan Doyle’s less well-known Sherlock Holmes stories but Tread the Boards (TTB) delivered an outstanding all-round production.  Set designer Adam Clarke gave the intimate Attic Theatre stage a superb amount of small yet authentic details which enhanced the telling of this story.  The stage was Holmes’ Baker Street lodgings, the home of murder victim Major Sholto and various outdoor locations.

John-Robert Partridge (JP) was Watson, a role like so many he has played at The Attic that he fitted seamlessly. TTB regular George Ormerod characterised Holmes’ acerbic and curt manner perfectly.  This brilliant pair complemented each other perfectly, while Cassandra Wilson as Mrs Hudson, Holmes’ long-suffering landlady, delivered her asides and mannerisms with impeccable timing.

Emily Tietz. Photo by Andrew Maguire.

Mary Morstan (Emily Tietz) asked for Holmes’ help to resolve the mystery of the disappearance of her father and a mysterious connection with the Sholto family whom her father had known in India.  The only surviving member of the Sholto family was Thaddeaus (David Hubball).  David gave Thaddeus a wonderful nervous energy and permanently agitated manner.

Jon Kerr acted superbly as villainous Jonathan Small, showing no discomfort whilst sporting a wooded stump for a missing leg.  Phil Jennings, Cassandara and Emily played other roles flawlessly, with authentic different accents and characteristics, so they were entirely believable.

Phil Jennings and David Hubball. Photo by Andrew Maguire.

The plot was complex yet JP, who directed the production, used the superb acting and technical expertise of The Attic to deliver a gripping production.  The lighting and sound effects of Kat Murray and Elliott Wallis, respectively, built the tension and transported us to murky Thames-side wharves and rough East End slums.  At other times Watson and Mary were highlighted together which teased us with their growing romance.  Especially effective was the night-time chase and fight between Holmes, Watson and the police, and the criminals, conducted in blackout apart from shouts, torches and (trigger warning) a loud pistol shot.

This was a terrific evening’s entertainment and deserves full houses. Anyone who has enjoyed a Sherlock Holmes mystery is in for a treat from this dynamic theatre company’s latest production. 

Tickets from www.theattictheatre.co.uk