Buy cheap tickets for Boozr
Sherlock Holmes and the Sound of the Baskervilles

Adding a dollop of lyrical humour to classic literature is something that never fails to be amusing. Just like The Muppets in Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Two Shades of Blue have turned Arthur Conan Doyle’s tale of horror into an enjoyable hour of comical farce. Unfortunately, they don’t quite have the aplomb or wit of the Muppets to pull this off fully. It’s an hour of comedy that is fun, but often rather predictable.

The traditional story has been reinvented here, getting rid of the hound and focussing instead on the scheming Miss Marple, who attempts to rise in the ranks of detectives by breaking up Holmes and Watson. Her plan is simple: get the aristocratic Baskerville family to kill one another off and frame Watson for the murder. This does result in some funny stuff - for example, the scene in which the Baskerville’s attempt to kill one another whilst arguing over the correct enunciation of ‘scone’ is very funny.

There are music parodies galore, incorporating songs from The Sound of Music, The Lion King, Oliver, and even The Beatles. Unfortunately, the cast don’t have strong enough voices to really pull of the musical factor of the show. The singing isn’t spectacularly bad, but it’s too lacklustre to have full comedic effect. The questionable singing is forgivable when the songs still draw laughs, but often they fall flat, and the lyrics are the kind that raise a gentle smile rather than leaving your sides aching from laughter.

Gareth Smith gives a scene-stealing performance as the hapless Watson though. Watson’s somewhat meta-fictional narration and playfully self-aware comments about the tale are hilarious. The meta-fictional aspect of the show will raise a chuckle from anyone who loves a good narrative-related joke.

For a show that is so deliberately trying to be funny, it’s surprising how few laughs it draws from the audience. Much of the comedy feels dated with plenty wordplay and timid laughs but no real belters. It’s more of a gentle farce than a riotous comedy, but a fun way to spend an hour nevertheless.

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

The Blurb

Holmes and Watson valiantly sing their way through this hilarious farce. Can Miss Marple's twisted logic make the Baskervilles do their moral duty by committing murder? Sell-out 2010, **** (Scotsman). www.twoshadesofblue.org.uk.
Buy cheap tickets for Back To The Future
Buy cheap tickets for Boozr

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for MAMMA MIA!
MAMMA MIA!

From £15.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Magic Mike Live
Magic Mike Live

From £48.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Back To The Future
Back To The Future

From £21.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Matilda
Matilda

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Mean Girls
Mean Girls

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Mrs Doubtfire
Buy cheap tickets for Anne Frank
Buy cheap tickets for How to Survive Your Mother
Buy cheap tickets for Wicked
Buy cheap tickets for Dr Strangelove
Buy cheap tickets for Cymbeline
Buy cheap tickets for Lonely Londoners
Buy cheap tickets for The Buddha of Suburbia
Buy cheap tickets for The Pirates of Penzance
Buy cheap tickets for Alls Well That Ends Well