It's Elementary: Moriarty, A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure

The new production at Arts Theatre Cronulla is Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty, A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure, which premiered in Cleveland, Ohio in 2023. As Director Michael Gooley notes in the program, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle probably did not foresee what he was unleashing upon the world with the creation of Sherlock Holmes and his ever-faithful assistant Dr Watson. However, there would be few theatre or film buffs today who would not be aware of the legendary detective and the mysteries he solves with uncanny foresight and aplomb.

This new play is an entertaining exploration of Victorian-era detective fiction and its portrayal of the eternal struggle between good and evil. The ‘game is afoot’ with Holmes and Watson facing off against cunning criminal mastermind and Holmes’ nemesis, Professor James Moriarty. An investigation into the Bohemian king's stolen letters cascades into an international mystery filled with spies, blackmail, and intrigue.

We are also introduced to the closest Holmes ever had to a love interest in the shape of the intriguing and indomitable American actress, Irene Adler, who has had a brief affair with the Bohemian king, and exchanged compromising letters. Now as the king is about to marry, the letters are stolen, and he engages Holmes to get them back.

Five actors play over 40 roles in this adventure that has endless twists and turns, with danger, disguises and laughter lurking around every corner. Director Gooley declares it’s no mean feat creating such multiple roles on stage, requiring a talented cast who can maintain pace and transform in an instant into a range of different characters. He acknowledges that he has been fortunate indeed to have found the perfect cast who can do this. 

Preview audiences have thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful performances and have testified to a great night of supremely entertaining theatre, with a clever set, great sound and lighting effects, and clever transformations of characters by the talented cast. 

The production runs from May 8 to June 13, with performances on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday evenings, and four Sunday matinees. 

Tickets are $36/$33 and can be booked online: https://www.artstheatrecronulla.com.au/

Cast

Bridget Keating-McIntosh: Hilda Klebb and others

David Mahoney: Moriarty and others

Peter David Allison: Dr Watson

Gary Clark: Sherlock Holmes

Carmen Russo: Irene Adler and others

Production photos

Port Hacking Camera Club. Photographers (from top): Maria Franklin, Peter Gale and Graham West.