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 production1:50 An introduction of the three interviewees, their qualifications, and the background of the play8:16 Michael Hammond discusses why Shakespeare & Company chose this play11:38 David Demke tells about his familiarity with the Canon and what he brings to the performance13:40 Robert Walsh gives his perspective on directing such a play, after having directed Sherlock's Last Case18:00 The two halves of the play - the known and well-recognized, and the secret21:21 How to go about getting something new out of time-tested characters33:04 The challenge of presenting a Holmes play that is not a mystery, the evolution of the characters35:15 Staging a 2-man play - intimacy factor with the audience in the Founders' Theatre36:50 Walsh shares his feelings on directing a play for Shakespeare & Co. for the first time45:01 Burt & Scott discuss the evolution of the characters over time47:42 Listener challenge - let us know if you attend the show by emailing us and we'll interview you49:02 The eras of Sherlockians over the years50:47 Join our group on FacebookLinks:Shakespeare & CompanyThe 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) 637-3353Bending the Willow: Jeremy Brett as Sherlock HolmesStarring Sherlock Holmes: A Century of Sherlock Holmes on the Screen
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