Genesian Theatre delivers a not so elementary production of Sherlock

May 29, 2023

Karen Sweaney

Celebrating their 79th year in 2023, community theatre group, The Genesian Theatre Company, delivers an impressive comedic adaption of ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’– based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fourth (and arguably most famous) Sherlock Holmes novel and directed by Richard Cotter, a beloved veteran of the Sydney stage.

Despite facing the prospect of having to relocate to Rozelle, the company remains at its current Kent Street site in Sydney that it has occupied for 69 years.

The show relies heavily on its cast - Alyona Popova, Oliver Harcourt-Ham and Kate Easlea - with a minimal set, and innumerable sound and lighting cues, the production really showcases the physical aspects of performance.

The Genesian Theatre’s production of 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' opens not in the rooms of 221B Baker Street London, but on the wilds of Dartmoor, where Sir Charles Baskerville meets a decidedly nasty end. But the darkness of the deed is quickly brightened when the real style of the show is revealed – a slapstick, physical comedy.

Genesian Theatre President, Barry Nielsen, says while there was a certain amount of risk in poking fun at such a well-known character, it was a challenge the company was only too happy to take on.

“I read the script and I was giggling from the first page. I know some purists may argue that you shouldn’t meddle with a classic, but honestly our first mission is to entertain, and that’s definitely what this play does,” Nielsen reasoned. “It’s a style similar to that of The 39 Steps and The Complete Works of Shakespeare – Abridged, both of which were immensely popular with our audiences.”

Nielsen added that viewers did not need to be familiar with the original to enjoy the experience noting “All the details of the mystery are still carefully laid out and you won’t be left wondering ‘who dunnit’.

“But there are also lots of nods to the original and ‘inside jokes’ that I think fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle will really appreciate.”

Over their 79 years as a company, the Genesians have developed a reputation as the home of English classics. Think manor-house mysteries such as those penned by Agatha Christie, or comedies of manners from the likes of George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde. These well-trodden tales are typically presented in traditional style, with care taken over the finer details like period costuming and correct etiquette.

But the latest production of The Hound of the Baskervilles throws out those traditions with the proverbial bath-water, opting instead for a riotous and ramshackle race across the moors with the three actors performing all the required roles.

The Hound of the Baskervilles runs from 27th May to 17th June.

The Genesian Theatre Company, formed in 1944 and taking its name from Saint Genesius - the patron saint of actors - has over the years developed into a community theatre group providing a training ground for young theatre professionals and workplace for established members. Many of today’s wellknown artists gained their early experience on this stage: Judi Farr, Tony Ward, John Bell, Peter Carroll, Angela Punch-McGregor, Bryan Brown, Tony Murphy, Julie McGregor, Sarah Chadwick and Christopher Stollery to name but a few.

Bookings at www.genesiantheatre.com.au/

Images. Credit: LSH Media