A madcap take on a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery has left audiences howling with laughter.
The Torch Theatre Company’s autumn production of The Hound of the Baskervilles, staged at the Torch Theatre in Pembrokeshire, received glowing reviews and a standing ovation.
The show, a fast-paced adaptation by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, turned Conan Doyle’s dark tale into a comedy adventure for all ages.
Chelsey Gillard, artistic director and interim CEO of the Torch Theatre, said: "It’s been an absolute pleasure to spend the last few weeks in the wonderful world of Sherlock Holmes.
"This production challenged our cast and creative team in all the best ways, and the response from our community has been incredible.
"I think the most common audience reaction was, 'That’s not what I was expecting, but I loved it'."
Pembrokeshire actress Jessica Dyas returned to play Dr Watson, while Torch associate artist Gareth John Bale took on the role of Sherlock Holmes, along with several other characters.
Rick Yale starred as Sir Henry Baskerville.
Sarah Jane Absalom, a supporter of the Torch Theatre, described the production as "as probably one of the most rip-roaringly funny plays you’ll ever see in your life."
Val Ruloff, the theatre’s community reviewer, called it "a veritable lean and meaty feast, with nothing wasted – not even enough for a doggy-bag."
Ms Ruloff attended a script read-through a few weeks before the production came to life.
She said: "Everything promised by the initial script rehearsal is more than delivered now, complete with versatile performances and the taking on of several roles by cast members – even some improvisation to enhance the general mayhem and hilarity."
Audience members also took to social media to praise the cast and crew.
Sarah, a Torch Theatre Facebook follower, said: "What a great show - so much energy, so much talent and sooooo many laughs. How can you pick out a fav moment? How did Gareth keep track of the accents? How did Jessica keep a straight face? And how many times did Rick take his clothes off . It was thoroughly entertaining - loved it all."
Ms Gillard thanked theatregoers for their enthusiastic support.
She said: "A huge thank you to everyone who came to see the show and laughed with us.
"We are deeply thankful to our audiences for their generosity, enthusiasm and support throughout the run.
"It has been wonderful to share this story with so many people, and we hope audiences enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed bringing it to life."
The production sets a high bar as the Torch Theatre moves into its 50th year in 2027.
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