Review: SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE MYSTERY OF THE HUMAN HEART at Shaw Festival

He's done it again! The famous sleuth and his sidekick are back at it, solving cases with cunning precision and insight. SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE MYSTERY OF THE HUMAN HEART is playing in a fabulous production at the SHAW FESTIVAL in Niagara on the Lake. Audiences are intrigued, captivated and thoroughly entertained watching this beloved character take on yet another case in Victorian London.

With a title that suggests more of a Harlequin Romance, it becomes clear that the mystery afoot actually pertains to a string of murders that involve leaving only the actual excised hearts of the victims in various London locales. Once you get past the potential gore involved, the plot unfolds neatly, with a series of twists and turns that only an expert like Sherlock Holmes can solve.

Holmes has become a favorite at the SHAW FESTIVAL, and rightly so, when you have such a talented actor as  Damien Atkins reprising his role.  Atkins' wiry frame and  no nonsense delivery embody a man with a brilliant mind but who is lacking in social graces and often rules of civility. In the script by Reginald Candy (based on characters by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle), Holmes is blustery, aloof and dependent upon Dr Watson for any sense of decorum and empathy. Candy even suggests that Holmes' landlady, Mrs. Hudson, may harvest romantic feelings for her famous detective employer.

Candy adds just the right amount of humor into the story, also lending a strong voice towards  the female characters (very unusual for the era). The female coroner Mrs. Allstrud, is played with great fortitude and cynicism by Nehassaiu deGannes.  She brings an educated confidence to a profession unheard of for a woman. deGannes finds some good laughs as well as bringing dramatic intensity to the pivotal role. At a recent matinee, Mrs. Hudson was played expertly by understudy Sochi Fried. Fried sailed through the role like a pro, without a glimmer of hesitation, but instead with forthright confidence. Rais Clarke-Mendes is Amelia Lestrade, the plucky woman who deftly researches potential victims identities. No doubt, these women are not to be reckoned with. 

The sympathetic Dr Watson was played by festival stalwart Ric Reid. Mr. Reid finely balances Holmes' brusqueness with a sympathetic concern that only a physician would have. In this outing, it is clear that Watson knows the idiosyncrasies of Holmes' demeanor and plans of attack. Candy finds glints of humor in this unlikely dynamic duo and Reid's affable portrayal was spot on. Sanjay Talwar is the Inspector, though commanding in nature, proves to be second fiddle to Holmes' genius.

As if out of a James Bond film, the sleuth comes face to face with the potential  perpetrator. Candy writes a brilliantly intriguing encounter for Holmes and a Mr. Hall Pycroft. Johnathan Sousa as Pycroft is simply wonderful as the evil villain, simultaneously oozing charm and hatred. His twisted mind fashions a plot that no one would ever suspect. The two men tease, taunt, joust and attempt to outwit each other in a fantastic game of cat and mouse.

But in grand fashion, the play is not over until the final curtain. The details are masterfully exposed and any amateur sleuth will be satisfied.

Director Craig Hall finds a good pacing to this three act play, coupled with some fine lighting by Bonnie Beecher and subtle but brilliant sound effects and music by John Gzowski. These elements lend an air of mystery and suspense befitting of the story. Set Design by Ken MacKenzie functioned well alongside projections designed by  Cameron Davis. Costumes by Hanne Loosen are striking with lovely attention to detail. 

There is always a feeling that retreading old characters may prove ho-hum, and granted, nothing earth shatteringly  innovative is being explored here. But a comfortable return to old fashioned story telling with high production values and a committed and talented cast does make for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of theatre. 

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE MYSTERY OF THE HUMAN HEART plays at the Festival Theatre of the Shaw Festival in Niagara on the Lake , Ontario through October 13,2024. Contact shawfest.com for more information. 
 

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