In the words of Sherlock himself Really, Watson, you excel yourself' and that is just what Mish Taylor's performance did in Exit Stage Left's production of The Hound of the Baskervilles at Braithewaite Halls on November 28.

American Sir Henry Baskerville is the heir to a considerable estate due to the death of Sir Charles Baskerville of a heart attack. Due to a West Country legend about a demon dog roaming the moors seeking vengeance against the Baskervilles, many believe Sir Charles' death was no accident. Enter Sherlock.

The performance began with the stage in darkness and the eerie sound of the wind bellowing and wolves baying.

The set was impressive with even the flooring and bookshelves of the Braithewaite Hall skilfully worked into the study of the remote Baskerville Hall.

Mish Taylor's acting and generous stature stood him in good stead to play the part of Watson, Holmes' amiable friend.

His wonderfully perplexed expressions, as he pretended to slurp his tea and nibble on a biscuit whilst listening attentively to Sherlock's deductions, were a delight to see.

He outshone Sherlock and masterfully had the audience with him every step of the way as he turned out a splendid performance.

Michelle Leaver's portrayal of Kathy Stapleton as an elegant, charming and stealthy character was a pleasure to watch.

Helen Al-Najjar injected humour into her small role as maid Perkins by making the character shuffle and stoop her way through the study with an apologetic and all too ready to please expression on her face.

Nigel Faddon did indeed look like Sherlock Holmes but his performance wasn't perceptive, hawk-eyed or cool enough to convince us that we'd met the great detective.

Mark Delmonte's delivery of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's dialogue cried out for someone to take it away from him.

One mystery remained unsolved however. Would electricity be so readily available at that period to account for a modern day light socket being incorporated in the production's set design?

On one occasion the lights went up a little too quickly for the lady dressed in 21st century casuals trying to pry away a fireplace cover to reveal a roaring fire.

December 13, 2001 16:30