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

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Sherlock Holmes (William Gillette)
(John Watson Guild Dramatic Club)
1923
April 4 - 6: Banchory Town Hall, Banchory, Scotland

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

“SHERLOCK HOLMES”
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DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE AT BANCHORY
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Banchory has a reputation for many good things, and not the least of these is the quality and variety of entertainment periodically offered to the community by its local dramatic societies. With the object o augmenting their funds, the John Watson Guild Dramatic Club performed the four-act drama “Sherlock Holmes,” in the Banchory Town Hall last night. Judging from the applause with which the production was greeted, there was no doubt of the players’ ability to please the audience, and in every way the performance was a success.

The acting was of a high standard for amateurs, and reflected great credit on the acting managers, all of whom personally supervised the production. The stage managers had a heavy task to perform, but discharged their duties in a commendable manner.

Miss Joan Gibb made a distinctly good impression as Madge Larrabee and played with her usual charm and vivacity. Miss Rita Bell presented the part of Alice Faulkner with fine feeling. Miss Jean Young successfully portrayed Therese the French maid.

The outstanding part was in the experienced hands of Mr Alex Sinclair, who was easy and natural in his impersonation of Sherlock Holmes. As Professor Moriarty, Mr John M. Cook made a splendid character study of the Napoleon of crime. The role of Jim Larrabee, a not unimportant one, was filled by Mr Alex Durward with conspicuous ability. Mr Louis D’Agostina displayed much cleverness in the part of Sidney Prince. Mr James Anderson capably portrayed Dr Watson.

Among the other characters were:- Mr Alex. Watt (John Forman), Mr William Beaton (Bassick), Mr David Hall (Jim Craigen), and Mr Harry Fyfe (Billy), who gave of their best, and sustained their parts cleverly.

The orchestra, under Mrs Carlyle Russell, discoursed pleasing music between the acts, which contributed largely to the pleasure of the evening. The incidental music throughout the piece was daintily rendered by Miss Craig at the piano.

The scenery made a strong appeal to the eye, while the electric lighting was artistically effective.

The acting managers were Messrs Greig, Lewis, and Russell; and the stage managers Messrs Atkinson, Turner, and Strachan.

The play is to be repeated tonight and tomorrow night.

Aberdeen Journal, Thursday 5 April 1923
found at www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk