Daily Info sat down with the creatives behind Wild Goose Theatre's A Sherlock Holmes Christmas at The Old Courthouse to see what they have in store for audiences this winter.
Daily Info: What does Wild Goose Theatre have in store this Christmas?
We're staging A Sherlock Holmes Christmas, a brand new festive adaptation of some of Conan Doyle's famous detective stories written by a local writer: me! It's a light-hearted comic adaptation of the stories - because we all need a laugh at Christmas - and it's running for two weeks in December in a new venue in central Oxford.
DI: What's A Sherlock Holmes Christmas all about?
It's a fun retelling of two classic Sherlock Holmes stories: The Blue Carbuncle and The Beryl Coronet, told using the frame narrative device of a Christmas party at which Dr John Watson is a guest. This allows us to have lots of fun with multi-roling using props, costume, and silly voices to transport the audience into the world of Victorian London.
DI: How does it feel to be bringing such a beloved character to the stage?
It's a double edged sword really: because people are already so familiar with the character, there is some pressure to get it right; although on the flip side, there isn't much introduction or exposition needed to set up the character for the audience. Most of all, it's such fun working on our own version of such an iconic character: there was something so magical when our actor, Craig Finlay, donned the deerstalker and the pipe for the first time.
DI: When approaching a Christmas show what are the key things a production has to get right?
Of course, any Christmas show has to bring the Christmas vibes, with the decorations, snow, music, and so on. But also, thematically, you've got to think about - without sounding too schmaltzy - the "true meaning of Christmas": and for this show that's all about coming together and celebrating, families working together, and helping people. It's not all about cold deductions and sending hardened criminals to the gallows: "after all", as Holmes says, "it is the season of forgiveness!"
DI: What do you have planned for the festive? Any key traditions for you?
As you may guess from the dates, I am pretty busy with the show this December; although I'll definitely make sure to spend time with my friends and family, and enjoy some much needed relaxation. I love good Christmas entertainment, so will definitely be watching a fair few Christmas movies (It's a Wonderful Life is a must every Christmas - perhaps at the UPP), and I'm hoping to catch the reading of A Christmas Carol at The Old Fire Station on our night off on the 15th. I'll also be performing in the Oxford Imps' Christmas Special on the 4th at The Bullingdon!
DI: Sum up A Sherlock Holmes Christmas in three words.
Festive, fresh, fun!
Wild Goose Theatre's A Sherlock Holmes Christmas runs at The Old Courthouse from 9th to 21st December tickets can be found on their website.