TORCH Theatre’s artistic director Chelsey Gillard gives an exclusive interview to the Tenby Observer on the Torch Theatre Company’s in-house autumn show The Hound of the Baskervilles – a madcap adaptation by Steven Canny and John Nicholson that’s suitable for the whole family.
The production, featuring award winning actor, Gareth John Bale, Pembrokeshire actress Jess Dyas and Rick Yale, a new face at the Torch, will run for a limited time only this October.
You’d be barking mad to miss it!
Why choose The Hound of the Baskervilles?
“Sherlock Holmes is one of the most iconic characters ever created, and every generation seems to discover him afresh. From Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Brett to Benedict Cumberbatch and Henry Cavill, audiences never tire of a great Holmes mystery.
“The Hound of the Baskervilles is arguably Conan Doyle's most famous adventure. It has everything you could want from a night at the theatre: an intriguing mystery, memorable characters, plenty of suspense and, in this brilliantly inventive adaptation, an enormous amount of laughter. When I first read Steven Canny and John Nicholson’s version, I knew it would be perfect for the Torch.
“It’s clever, fast-paced and hugely entertaining, and we're lucky enough to have the superb Gareth John Bale donning the deerstalker.”
What can audiences expect?
“Audiences can expect a Hound of the Baskervilles unlike any they've seen before. This version keeps all the mystery, suspense and atmosphere of Conan Doyle's original tale, but combines it with razor-sharp comedy, fast-paced storytelling and astonishing theatrical invention.
“One minute you'll be on the edge of your seat trying to solve the mystery, and the next you'll be crying with laughter. It's a show packed with surprises and quick-fire character changes. Whether you're a Sherlock Holmes devotee or simply looking for a fantastic night out, there's something here for everyone.”
Following on from the hugely successful The Turn of the Screw in 2025, audience members can once again enjoy a professional theatre production created here in Pembrokeshire with the finest talent from across Wales.
Tell us a little bit about the plot…
“After the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, Sherlock Holmes is asked to investigate rumours of a terrifying curse that has haunted the Baskerville family for generations.
“Holmes sends Dr Watson to the remote Dartmoor moors to protect the new heir, Sir Henry Baskerville, and uncover the truth behind a series of strange and unsettling events. As Watson digs deeper, he encounters suspicious neighbours, hidden secrets and growing danger, raising the question: is there really a supernatural hound stalking the moors, or is something even more sinister at work?”
… and who the characters are.
“Of course we must start off with the great detective himself, Sherlock Holmes. Not to be outdone by his faithful sidekick Dr Watson, who some could argue is the main character in this story.
“We also meet Sir Henry Baskerville, heir to the Baskerville estate; the devoted Barrymores, who care for the family home; the enigmatic Stapletons, who live on the edge of the moor; the escaped convict Selden; and a colourful collection of doctors, cab drivers, train guards and eccentric locals.
“Do you want to know the best part? Every single character is brought to life by just three actors, creating a whirlwind of costume changes, comic invention and theatrical mayhem!”
Torch Associate Artist Gareth John Bale, whose memorable performances as Raymond Gravell in the one-man show Grav won him several awards and nominations. Bale will be put through his paces as Sherlock Holmes, both Mr and Mrs Stapleton, Slasher Seldon and a whole host of iconic characters.
Dr Watson is played by Pembrokeshire’s own Jessica Dyas, who played wicked Mother Gothel in the 2025 Torch pantomime Rapunzel, and Sir Henry Baskerville will be played by Rick Yale, who recently played the lead role in the BAFTA nominated short-film Involuntary Activist.
Will this appeal only to Sherlock Holmes fans?
“Not at all. It’s not your typical Sherlock Holmes, as this production will give you several laugh out loud moments.
“Sherlock Holmes fans will enjoy spotting all the references and seeing a fresh take on a classic story, but you certainly don't need to know the original novel to enjoy the show.
“If you love the humour of The Play That Goes Wrong, the ingenuity of The 39 Steps or the mystery of Knives Out, you'll find plenty to enjoy.
“It’s spooky, silly, clever and hugely entertaining. Our goal is simple: to send audiences home having had a brilliant evening at the theatre.”
Describe the production in five words.
“Mysterious, hilarious, inventive, fast-paced, unforgettable.”
The best part of the production for you as the artistic director?
“For me, it's always the rehearsal room.
“Before the lights, costumes and audiences arrive, there are a few precious weeks when a group of creative people come together and simply play. We experiment, take risks, discover what works and occasionally stumble across moments that are far better than anything we originally imagined.
“This show will be particularly rewarding because it demands so much creativity from everyone involved. Watching the cast transform into dozens of characters, solve seemingly impossible staging challenges and find new laughs every day will be a real joy. If I'm honest, I think I get more nervous than the actors on opening night. They have all the hard work to do, but I'm the one sitting in the auditorium desperately hoping the audience laughs in all the right places!”
Sherlock Holmes, Dr Watson and a host of suspicious characters are ready to bring The Hound of the Baskervilles to the Torch Theatre this autumn. But this isn’t quite the serious detective story you might remember… Expect mystery, mayhem and plenty of laughs.
With quick changes, clever staging and a script that crackles with comedy, this West End smash-hit adaptation brings Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic tale to life with laugh-out-loud moments in a theatrical romp you won’t want to miss… the moors will never be the same again.
The Hound of the Baskervilles can be seen on the stage at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven from Wednesday, October 7 to Saturday, October 17 with a BSL interpreted Performance on Tuesday, October 13. Call 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk for tickets.
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