Meet the cast: The Hound of the Baskervilles at Salisbury Playhouse

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most celebrated adventure gets a brilliantly farcical overhaul in Lotte Wakeham’s acclaimed production at the Playhouse next week (15th-20th November).

In the show, adapted for the stage by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, Sherlock Holmes and his colleague Dr. Watson are asked to unravel the mystery surrounding the untimely death of Sir Charles Baskerville. With rumours of a cursed giant hound loose on the moors, they must act fast in order to save the Baskerville family’s last remaining heir.

Ahead of the cast taking to the stage, we heard from the actors taking on the characters of this world-renowned detective series.

The cast of The Hound of the Baskervilles is made up of three actors, Jake Ferretti (The Kitchen, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, The Understudy) as Sherlock Holmes, Serena Manteghi (Welcome To Iran, To Build a Rocket, Mrs Wilson) as Sir Henry and Niall Ransome as Dr. Watson (Mischief Movie Night, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Fcuk’d).

Speaking about taking on the role of Sherlock, Jake Ferretti said, “I think one of the stand-out things for me regarding Holmes is how distant he can be (especially to Watson) and, whilst being unimaginably intelligent, his emotional intelligence leaves a lot to be desired. But, I kind of love him for that”.

Niall Ransome, who plays Dr. Watson, said he found the character a fun part to get to grips with.

“He has a real puppy dog loyalty in this show and it’s fun to play him as a total idiot. A competent incompetence really. In the books Watson is normally the readers ‘in’ to the story and it’s nice to find the fun in him with this,” he added.

Incredibly excited to get started, the cast are all looking forward to getting back to live theatre and having a bit of a laugh.

“Let’s face it, we’ve all had an indescribably horrific time over the past two years and to be a part of a super fun, super funny piece [and] in an actual theatre! I can’t wait to get it in front of people now,” said Jake.

“There’s so much I enjoy about it and it’s a very physical show for all of us. Anything with the three of us all on stage together I think. It’s been so much fun finding the dynamics with each other and trying to catch the others out. Trying to surprise ourselves and make everyone laugh, that makes this show exciting,” added Niall.

The past two years have been a tough time for the theatre industry, commenting on what it feels like to be back live on stage Serena Manteghi says she feels like “a kid who was won a competition”.

“I am just elated to be back doing the job I love. I am a big believer in the importance of gathering together in a theatre and sharing a story, especially after the year we’ve all had”.

“Coming back and seeing reactions to shows has itself shown the importance of theatre and the vital role it plays. It tells a story, it entertains but more than anything it gets a bunch of people, all from different backgrounds and places in a room to share in something. I think its absence has showed us just how much we need it. It’s great to be back,” added Niall.

Describing the play in three words the cast members said, “Fun from beginning; spooky joyous fun; and Book tickets now”.

For your chance to see The award-winning Original Theatre Company and Octagon Theatre Bolton present the 2021/22 tour of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most celebrated adventure, click here.