Holmes and Watson - (two act play)

Review: This play is a work in progress. It was originally produced by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Theatre in 1989. It has been produced several time since then and has been amended by the author.

The author has selected the events narrated in The Empty House as a the subject for this play It is, in essence, a dialogue between Holmes and Watson that takes place upon Holmes’ return from “the Great Hiatus.” In addition to the events covered in “The Empty House,” this play contains the substance of another mystery, the murder of one Benjamin Alexander, an importer.

Reviewing a play without seeing a performance is difficult and cannot be fair to the playwright. The actors, the director and the production can each make an immense difference in the experience of the playgoer. On the other hand, this play is a two-person production, done in four scenes on a single set. The dialogue between the two characters is part of a sequence of events that is extremely familiar to Sherlockians and it leaves little room for interpretation by cast and production personnel.

Imagine a situation where Watson drops his mask of awed observer to the machinations of Holmes and reveals his true feelings. Imagine Watson berating Holmes for his manipulations and his lack of sympathy for others. Imagine Watson complaining of Holmes’ unfeeling approach and blatantly superior attitude. Imagine what you would have said to Holmes had you been in Watson’s place. Then you will have the essence of Holmes & Watson.

The elements of the partnership (not a one-sided sycophancy) of Holmes and Watson are revealed, discussed and, to some extent, resolved in this play. It says many things that Sherlockians have longed to say and it touches the heart of the relationship between the Master and his “Boswell.” The play is well-polished and its dialog shows the effect of detailed attention. Arguments on both sides are well-stated, pithy and thoughtful. The resolutions reached are reasonable and fitted to the characters. In the hands of a competent director and talented actors it should be a real joy to watch and a source of much satisfaction to Sherlockians.

Reviewed by: Philip K. Jones; January, 2007