ONE of the early Sherlock Holmes stories is set to enthral audiences in the county next month who enjoy the eccentricities of the detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Sign of the Four is the second of Conan Doyle’s epic novels about the the famous sleuth who lived in London’s Baker Street.

This thrilling new adaptation from the Blackeyed Theatre, sees Mary Morstan arrives at Baker Street to request help following the mysterious disappearance of her father.

Holmes and his companion, Dr Watson, are then plunged into a murky world of deception and a complex plot involving murder, corruption and stolen jewels.


Crammed full of adventure, romance, comedy and, of course, one or two rather brilliant deductions, this faithful adaptation will combine original live music, high energy theatricality and ensemble storytelling.


The cast features Luke Barton as Sherlock Holmes, Joseph Derrington as Dr John Watson, Zach Lee as Jonathan Small and Stephanie Rutherford as Mary Morstan.

Director Nick Lane comments: “I don't think I know anyone over the age of ten who doesn't know at least the name Sherlock Holmes.

"He is part of the literary fabric of this country - hugely popular and hugely adaptable - and his cases with Watson are a blueprint for so many crime novels, films, TV shows and theatre.”

He added: “We have approached this adaptation in a stylised way which will appeal to avid fans of the novel as well as those who simply want to come to the theatre and enjoy a rattling good crime story!”

The Sign of Four will be on stage at Malvern’s Festival Theatres from Tuesday, May 14 to Saturday, May 18 and tickets are on sale at the Box Office 01684 892277 and online at malvern-theatres.co.uk.