Summary: a 5 star adaptation by the blackeyed theatre group that both the Sherlockian and the Bartitsuka would thoroughly enjoy.
A little off-topic, perhaps, but a subject I felt was well worth sharing. Many are aware that the Bartitsu revival has relied heavily on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his character Sherlock Holmes, both in the original literature and, one could argue, the modern films starring Robert Downey Jr.
Given that I run the Bartitsu Club website, it should come as no surprise that I am a dedicated fan of the Great Detective. So, when the opportunity arose to see a new production at a local theatre, I snapped up the chance. Here is why I think you should, too.
Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty
The stage was set on a dark Friday evening. With smoke imitating the foggy streets of Victorian London, red fabric chairs, and an art deco ceiling, the theater provided the perfect backdrop.
From the opening curtain to the final bow, the small but highly talented cast drew the audience into Holmes’s world: the intrigue, the puzzle-solving, and the suspense of what was coming next. Most importantly for our community, however, was the fight choreography.
While the adaptation stays close to the source material, the creative changes were both clever and fitting. The acting was second to none, with each character being instantly recognizable. Furthermore, the set – a simple yet ingenious use of lighting, props, and craftsmanship, brought the Sherlockian era to life.
The fight scenes, though brief, featured an impressive display of pugilism, walking sticks vs. knives, and sword canes. The movements felt authentic: from the forearm blocks of older pugilism to the desperate two-handed stick guards. The use of the umbrella and sword cane was a particularly entertaining touch.
As photography is prohibited during the performance, I couldn’t take photos of the production myself aside from the empty stage. However, I have included some images from the production company’s website and their trailer.
Images from https://blackeyedtheatre.co.uk/shows-2/shows/sherlock-holmes-and-the-hunt-for-moriarty/#tab-105204
Conclusion: Why you should watch
For anyone interested in Sherlock Holmes, Bartitsu, or both, this is a superbly crafted production. It delivers the kind of excitement and immersion that only live theatre can provide.
The storytelling and acting are of the highest caliber, intelligent, engaging, and faithful to the spirit of the characters. Furthermore, the fight scenes, though few, are executed to an exceptionally high standard. Seeing such technical choreography performed live adds a layer of tension and authenticity that truly honors the “Sherlockian” martial arts tradition.
Useful Links
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Production Company: Blackeyed Theatre
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The Hunt for Moriarty: Trailer and Tour Dates
Learn More About Bartitsu
If you’re interested in learning more, the Bartitsu club webpage seeks to preserve, extend and promote the art of Bartitsu. Below we have included some useful links on our website.