OVO’s 12th annual Roman Theatre Open Air Festival opens today with a new production of Sherlock Holmes, kicking off a summer season of outdoor theatre in St Albans.
Running from 5 to 20 June, the production is adapted and directed by Mark O’Sullivan and stages a fresh interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective stories.
Audiences are invited to follow Holmes and Watson through a fast-paced series of mysteries, blending well-known tales with lesser-known stories in a playful and inventive reimagining.
Set across multiple locations from London to remote landscapes, the production promises a dynamic theatrical experience in the open-air surroundings of the Roman Theatre of Verulamium.
In a distinctive approach, four actors perform 25 roles between them, with Anna MacLeod Franklin, Max Gallagher, Lachlan McCall and Jessica Vickers bringing Doyle’s characters to life.
Director and adaptor Mark O’Sullivan said, “I’m excited to bring to life such an enduring icon with a fresh spin on the classic Detective stories”.
He added, “We have four actors playing 25 characters between them, in many different locations. So it will be an incredible display of the talent and versatility of our actors – as well as our set and costume designer!”
O’Sullivan also highlighted the production’s comic elements, saying, “Comedy is a big part of my life. It has been such a fun opportunity to take the text that is already hilarious and to hopefully ‘turn the funny up’ wherever I can, so expect humorous antics throughout.”
He continued, “There is also a real heart to it through the beautiful friendship between Sherlock and Dr Watson, and these stories are all ultimately about human nature.”
OVO founder and artistic director Adam Nichols said, “We are delighted to be bringing another of OVO’s signature literary adaptations to our unique open air theatre, and Sherlock Holmes will be the perfect show to kick off the Summer festival. There’s something magical about live theatre under the stars, especially in a setting with such a rich historical backdrop.”
Now in its 12th year, the Roman Theatre Open Air Festival has become a key fixture in the UK’s outdoor theatre calendar, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
