The daughters of Sherlock and Watson take center stage in debut for Third Side Theatre Company

The Legacy of Baker Street, the inaugural production by the newly founded Third Side Theatre Company, takes the audience on a thrilling albeit slightly familiar adventure.

Stage at the Evergreen Players Black Box Theatre, this play is a laudable effort by writer and director Brian Dowling. With a simple yet effective set, strong performances from the lead actors, and a storyline that pays homage to the iconic Sherlock Holmes while adding a fresh feminist twist, the play is a compelling theater experience.

For those who haven’t been to the venue before, the Evergreen Players Black Box Theatre is incredibly intimate. Picture a long room where the lobby and theater are separated by a black curtain — the space is so tight you can eavesdrop on the actors’ backstage banter before the show starts.

This proximity adds a layer of charm, making you feel like you’ve been invited into the Watson sisters’ very own living room. The set design by Ryan Glaser is meticulously detailed, filled with knick-knacks that suggest that Holmes’ Baker Street has been carefully preserved but untouched for some time, creating a sense of nostalgia and mystery.

(L-R) Ryan Glaser, Kellie Fox, Leann Ritter and Andy Seracuse | Photo: Matthew and Kellie Fox

Set against the backdrop of 1930s London, a city grappling with the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution, The Legacy of Baker Street introduces us to Charlotte (Leann Ritter) and Felicity Watson (Kellie Fox). These sisters are thrust into a new reign of terror as a master criminal threatens to bring chaos to London. They must use their wits, the scientific method of deduction, and physical prowess to save the city.

Dowling’s direction is deft, effectively using the limited space without overcomplicating the staging. His clear and precise blocking ensures that the audience remains engaged throughout the briskly paced narrative. Dowling’s inspiration from the empowering reactions to the movie Wonder Woman is evident in the strong, kick-ass female leads he has crafted.

Ritter and Fox deliver standout performances. Ritter’s stoic and brooding energy contrasts perfectly with Fox’s confident and comedic flair, creating a dynamic duo that drives the story forward. Their chemistry is palpable, particularly during the sharply directed fight sequences, which are a highlight of the production.

A cocky ghost

Andy Sercause as the ghost of Sherlock Holmes brings a cocky and flashy energy to the stage, lighting up his scenes and providing a playful counterbalance to Ritter’s Charlotte. The flirtation between Charlotte and Brian Dowling’s Gregory Hudson adds a layer of fun and tension, making their interactions enjoyable to watch.

However, the British accents are inconsistent across the cast, which occasionally distracts from the play’s clarity. While the leads manage well, some of the supporting cast members struggle to maintain their accents, which can momentarily pull the audience out of the experience.

The play starts with a slow burn, dropping the audience into the cozy yet cluttered world of Baker Street. It takes a moment to settle into the 1930s setting, but once Sercause’s ghostly Sherlock makes his entrance, the pace picks up and the story hits its stride.

The first act, a tight 45 minutes, concludes with an ominous voiceover warning that “London will fall,” setting the stage for a high-stakes second act. Now, without giving away too much (because really, where’s the fun in spoiling a good mystery?), let’s just say that there are some clever scenic changes that keep the audience guessing and the story moving along briskly. You’ll have to see it for yourself to appreciate the ingenuity on display.

For those weary of Sherlock Holmes adaptations, The Legacy of Baker Street offers a refreshing and fun take on the beloved characters. With a strong feminist lens and a healthy dose of humor, it’s an enjoyable ride from start to finish. Dowling’s direction, combined with standout performances from Ritter, Fox and Sercause, ensures that the play remains engaging and entertaining.

Despite the run being sold out, die-hard fans might still score tickets by contacting the company for last-minute cancellations. The Legacy of Baker Street is a promising debut for Third Side Theatre Company, proving that they have the chops to create original, resonant works. Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of their theatrical journey.