A collection of historic reviews and articles on Sherlockian theatrical performances from contemporary newspapers.

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Sherlock Holmes (William Gillette)
1911
October 2 – 8: Garrick Theatre, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

(Information above on performance dates is derived from newspaper archives and is therefore likely to be incomplete.)

AMUSEMENTS

Had the Garrick management been playing for contrasts, it is doubtful if it could have obtained a greater diversity than that between Channlng Pollock’s happy little comedy "Such a Little Queen" and the new bill, which opened last night, "Sherlock Holmes."

This famous Gillette success Is an ambitious undertaking for a stock company. It requires nearly a score of people to present It. The scenic equipment necessary to give a creditable performance of "Sherlock Holmes” is enough to make the average stock producer reject the piece. Yet the Garrick production is replete in detail, both in properties and interpretations.

The story hinges on the existence of certain papers and photographs that have a vital bearing on the life and welfare of a certain girl. To regain possession of these, the great psychological student and detective, Sherlock Holmes, is called into the case. The story deals with his adventures with shrewd, clever crooks, who turn up as barriers to the accomplishment of his purpose on every hand. In the end he succeeds in the accomplishment of his task, winning also the girl whose benefactor he is.

George Parker appears as the famous English detective. He presents to Salt Lakers a new phase of his versatility. His portrayal will long be remembered by Garrick patrons as a vivid, though subdued and finished interpretation; one of the most interesting and compelling pieces of character work that has been wrought on the Garrick stage in many seasons. Miss Clifton has not the opportunity for effective work that her co-lead has, but her portrayal is as appealing and forceful as the scope of the part will permit.

Miss Margaret Dills, always dependable, reaches excellent heights in her limning of Madge Larrabee. John Sumner plays Professor Moriarity in a studious, painstaking manner, creating a capital bit of character work. There are nineteen people in the cast. It is not without certain flaws. For instance, Louis Craig’s makeup demands more attention. But these details are almost lost sight of in the general excellence of the production.

The play, at the hands of the Garrick company, is worth seeing. There are many people who delight in the psychological. To them something new and interesting would he found if they attended every performance during the week.

"Sherlock Holmes" will play all week, with matinees on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Salt Lake Tribune, Tuesday 3 October 1911