Arts and Culture Editor Christian O’Brien goes behind the scenes of the Bailey Theatre Company’s newest production, ‘Sherlock Holmes’, talking to some of the cast and crew.
One of my first forays into Sherlock Holmes was through The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, an early-80s Soviet programme depicting some of Arthur Conan-Doyle’s most famous stories in a country that was shut behind the Iron Curtain. Now, over 40 years later, St John’s Bailey Theatre Company tackles the story of Holmes and Watson in their newest play.
On the Wednesday prior to the first showings, I was fortunate enough to be able to drop into a rehearsal and speak to some of the cast and members of the production. Leech Hall, with only the main stage lighting on, reminded me somewhat of the dim yet warm glow of the lamp in the real 221b Baker Street – though many times larger! I made my way to Lenna Lyons, the Director of Sherlock Holmes, with crew members spread about the room, rehearsing lines, arranging props or tinkering with the lighting. Despite the general busyness, Lenna was happy to let me spend thirty minutes chatting with her and a few other members about the play.
The first question I asked was, why go for the role of director? I was told that she, in fact, had directorial aspirations five years ago, though the pandemic, unfortunately, had dampened any prospects for a while, alongside theatre becoming more inaccessible during her undergraduate studies. With BTC’s Freshers’ Play, the chance to direct was never more open. Whilst the production has had some challenges, Lenna tells me, including with timing and a limited budget, the production of Sherlock Holmes meant that there was a massive “community effort” amongst all the more than a dozen students taking part.
Indeed, Jed and Barney (playing Holmes and Moriarty respectively) added on to this. Although facing the challenges of playing such complicated and well-known characters in a lower-profile production, the more intimate environment allows for a “strong show with a strong cast” with each member of the show putting in “a lot of effort” into making the production. Moving onto the play itself, Jed and Barney reiterated its “unique” style, blending together dry and witty British humour with some more dramatic and emotional moments, allowing for a show that “people will love”.
Finally, I spoke with Harry, the Production Manager for Sherlock Holmes. Asking what were some of the challenges he faced in getting everything prepared behind the scenes, Harry mentioned how Leech Hall is “small” and perhaps doesn’t allow for all the glamour that the Assembly Rooms or Gala Theatre possesses, but still “has the resources” to put on a great show. And of course, the smaller crew means that he has had to take on multiple roles, from lighting and sound to testing and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day. But, the effort pays off! Much like the other members of the team, Harry emphasises how unique this run of Sherlock Holmes is, encouraging everyone to “give it a go” and support those who put so much time and effort into realising the play.
As Lenna mentioned, theatre provides something different to TV and film – it is a live experience with a very real human factor to it. At the end of the day, its entertaining, good value for money, and well worth a watch!
The Bailey Theatre Company’s production of ‘Sherlock Holmes’ is running at 7pm on the 8th and 9th of February in Leech Hall, St John’s College. Tickets are available on the SJCR shop for only £5.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons & Lenna Lyons
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