Episode 10: The Secret of Sherlock Holmes

In the late 1980s, Jeremy Brett commissioned Jeremy Paul to write a play for him. The collaboration yielded The Secret of Sherlock Holmes, which ran for a year in the West End and toured for three months around England. The shores of the United States have never seen the play - until now. In honor of the 120th anniversary of the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes in print (1887-2007), Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts is producing the play. In this episode, we interview the actors Michael Hammond and David Demke and director Robert Walsh, in anticipation of the play's run from September 28 - October 28, 2007. In addition, there will be a Sherlockian weekend in Lenox from October 19-21, 2007. And at the end of the show, there's a listener challenge. Note: because of some technical difficulties, you may notice us "stepping on" each other's words. For some reason, the audio misaligned, and as I don't record separate tracks for each line, there was no way to edit it. I apologize, but I hope the content makes it worthwhile. Show notes: 1: 11 Audio clip from the production 1:50 An introduction of the three interviewees, their qualifications, and the background of the play 8:16 Michael Hammond discusses why Shakespeare & Company chose this play 11:38 David Demke tells about his familiarity with the Canon and what he brings to the performance 13:40 Robert Walsh gives his perspective on directing such a play, after having directed Sherlock's Last Case 18:00 The two halves of the play - the known and well-recognized, and the secret 21:21 How to go about getting something new out of time-tested characters 33:04 The challenge of presenting a Holmes play that is not a mystery, the evolution of the characters 35:15 Staging a 2-man play - intimacy factor with the audience in the Founders' Theatre 36:50 Walsh shares his feelings on directing a play for Shakespeare & Co. for the first time 45:01 Burt & Scott discuss the evolution of the characters over time 47:42 Listener challenge - let us know if you attend the show by emailing us and we'll interview you 49:02 The eras of Sherlockians over the years 50:47 Join our group on Facebook Links: Shakespeare & Company The Secret of Sherlock Holmes on the Shakespeare & Co. site, including the Sherlockian weekend - which you should attend! Two galleries of images: Pre-production photos Production photos Buy tickets for the play online or call (413) 637-3353 Bending the Willow: Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes Starring Sherlock Holmes: A Century of Sherlock Holmes on the Screen