The Hound of the Baskervilles

Countless actors have played Sherlock Holmes, including William Gillette, Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Brett, so Nic Cearns had some tough acts to follow when he stepped into the role in the Bexhill Amateur Theatrical Society's production of The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Nic captured Holmes' authority and quirkiness despite forgetting his lines a couple of times, though Alex Wilson - ideal as Dr. Watson - gave a more polished performance.

Hannah Turnbull, Josephine Turnbull, Trish Daly and Ross Paterson also impressed, but John Brown lacked impact and emotion as Sir Henry Baskerville, whose life is threatened after he inherits a family fortune. Brown showed little reaction when discovering shattering news about the love of his life, and I was surprised that director Kate Walsgrove did not address this problem.

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Kate and her assistant Rachel Stevens otherwise did a good job in insuring that BATS maintained the reputation they have enjoyed since being founded back in 1935 '“ the year the De La Warr Pavilion was opened.

Keith Bird, Jenny Taylor and Hilary Webb made useful contributions, while Kirstie Wilde completed the cast by taking over the role of Cathy from Hannah Turnbull in matinees.

With a couple of minor exceptions, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous thriller, based on the beast that prowls the moor outside Baskerville Hall, is well adapted by Tim Kelly.

Furtive servants, ladies in distress and an escaped convict help to throw us off the scent and leave us unprepared for a surprise twist.

Review written by Tony Flood

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The Hound Of The Baskervilles De La Warr Pavilion April 24-26.

For tickets and further information call the box office on (01424) 229111 or visit the website at:www.dlwp.com

BATS' summer production will be The Tempest at Bexhill Manor Gardens from July 27 to August 1