Everything Theatre Reviews, interviews and news for theatre lovers, London and beyond
A greatly entertaining show, regardless of your familiarity with the original stories; enjoyable as both a parody or as a straight(ish) detective story with jokes that come very thick and fast. Summary
Rating
Excellent
To use a line from the production, it was “a bit of Sheer Luck” that I made it in time to see this show, thanks to the villainy of train cancellations and ever-expanding delays. However, as I thankfully took my seat having power walked from the station all thought of travel hassle was immediately swept away and I was drawn into the hilarious world of Sheerluck, his friends and foes.
We dive straight into the action via two reporters who set up the world where, by brains and luck, Sheerluck has overtaken Sherlock Holmes (much to his chagrin) as the world’s greatest detective. We are introduced to Sheerluck and his sidekick/roommate Joe Whatsitt as they quickly solve one case (a dastardly drink thief) and then investigate the central plot where a nefarious dog-napping has taken place just before a big competition.
Beth Rennie is Sheerluck; a confident, intelligent detective, and her straight playing is a good contrast to the parody takes on other familiar characters we meet. Lawrence Harp plays a brilliant and different version of the ‘real’ Sherlock Holmes. Emily Rennie isIrene Paddler and others, Matt Entwistle takes on both Joe Whatsitt and Constable Lestride, whilst Alec Taylor portrays Mycruft and additional roles. How can they have more characters than actors? By using the elementary and simple solution of putting on a new coat, a new hat and sometimes a new accent. How can characters convey that they are running vast distances? By jogging on the spot. This creativity brings a lot of fun throughout the show.
To call this show a parody would seriously undersell the story; the show does not limit itself to only featuring funny puns and jokes, although there are plenty of these throughout. A lot of thought has gone into crafting a coherent detective story for our heroes to navigate, as they gather clues and interview suspects, full of clever misdirects and twists along the way. Plot points are introduced early on for brilliant payoffs later on. An ongoing series of jokes around Whatsitt suffering memory loss suddenly introduces serious pathos to the situation.
Although the show is set in modern times, with clever references to recent events, the costume design has a distinct traditional period feel. There are three-piece suits, deerstalker hat and long coats for our two detectives and a range of period-evoking costumes bringing the other characters to life.
The set design is very well thought out; aside from some period furniture the room is full of props on the walls and ceiling. These are not just for decoration; almost every single one has a direct relevance to the plot or is used by a character throughout the evening.
This is also a show that is ever-evolving; refining and adapting the jokes to be fresh and relevant. It is 30 minutes longer than its 2022 iteration, and this extra time has been put to good use in expanding the plot and characterisation. It is not ‘Sheerluck’ that the show is a very entertaining experience all round, full of mirth and mystery.
Written by Emily Rennie and Beth Rennie
Directed by Phoebe White
Music by Manav Kher
Lighting Design by Toby Ison
Produced by Big Licks Theatre Company
That’s a Bit of Sheer Luck! plays at Old Red Lion Theatre until Friday 31 May.
Further information and bookings can be found here.
