With Sherlock Holmes appearing on film and television in recent years, it makes sense that his story would be brought to the theatre.
A one-man homage to the world’s greatest detective aims to do justice to the super sleuth’s memory.
The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes, set in the Victorian era, is a whistle- stop tour of many of the stories which have made him so memorable, and artistic director Jonathan Goodwin is the central figure.
Jonathan not only plays Holmes but a myriad of characters including arch-rival Moriarty.
For Jonathan, his love for Holmes has been with him since he was a youngster.
He said: “Sherlock Holmes was the first book I read when I was about eight years old.
“I saw the BBC films, read the stories and something just clicked.
“I think the books are so well written and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a genius.
“He was the first real superhero for me because he didn’t need a cover or disguise.
“He was a bit of loner, an individual, but he wanted to restore order.”
The show has toured throughout the country earning rave reviews but is coming to the Oxford House Theatre, Bethnal Green, on Saturday for the first time.
As Holmes, Jonathan recounts highlights from his career solving crimes and answers questions from the audience concerning his life and times.
Jonathan said: “It’s unique because no one is doing something like this.
“When I auditioned for jobs they didn’t appeal to me because I found that I wanted to write and do things that I would want to see.
“I’m really interested in the Victorian era so I wanted an authentic Victorian setting with plenty of costume changes.”
Being the only person on stage can be a daunting task for some but Jonathan takes it all in his stride.
He hopes his performances can inspire a new generation of Sherlock Holmes fans.
He added: “When I’m on stage, I love it; it’s a sort of hypnosis.
“You don’t notice the audience because you become immersed in the character and you’re not yourself but it’s great.
“I hope people watch the show, go away and read the stories.
“It’s important for each generation to learn about the characters because they are so strong.”
The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes starts at Oxford House Theatre on Saturday.
Tickets are £9. For more information visit http://www.dontgointothecellar.com/welcome.htm
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