What the deuce? Sherlock Holmes opera debut

The Leeds Opera Festival is set to showcase a brand new opera titled Sherlock Holmes and The Sign of the Four. This production marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes will be featured in an opera. Known for his appearances in various forms of media, including video games, radio dramas, and blockbuster films, Sherlock Holmes has captivated audiences for generations. However, this opera aims to present the character in a fresh and musical light. David Ward, the artistic director of the Northern Opera Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, 'He loves the reveal, disguising himself and going under cover so I thought we could do something theatrically and musically quite thrilling with this. ' This indicates a desire to blend the thrilling elements of detective stories with the expressive nature of opera. The opera is based on the story of The Sign of the Four, which involves a murder mystery and the quest for stolen treasure. This production will debut at the Leeds Opera Festival, making it a unique addition to the festival's lineup. The inspiration for this ambitious project came to David Ward during the lockdown when he took the time to read all of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. He shared, 'We chose The Sign of the Four because it's also a love story and there are more female characters in it. ' This choice reflects a modern approach to storytelling, aiming to engage a diverse audience. Ward believes that the opera will offer a delightful evening of entertainment, filled with memorable moments and captivating performances. Rehearsals for the opera are currently taking place at Leeds Beckett University, with the opening night scheduled for August 28. A sneak peek of the production revealed a particularly dramatic scene involving a thrilling boat chase on the River Thames. This scene promises to be action-packed, showcasing the dynamic nature of the story. The character of Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Ed Hawkins, will be accompanied by singing dialogue, known as recitative in operatic terms, along with a live orchestra. This combination of music and drama is intended to create a unique experience for the audience. David Ward noted, 'Opera often struggles to tell these faster-paced, action-driven stories and we wanted to show that we can do it. ' The production team has sourced the staging from various places, including charity shops and antique fairs, ensuring that the opera remains true to the classic Victorian detective genre. The cast, though small, is composed of talented performers. Ed Hawkins, who takes on the role of Sherlock, is described as an 'imposing' figure, having previously played the trumpet. Katy Thomson, who plays Mrs. Hudson, has been practicing her singing in the toilets due to the excellent acoustics. David Ward hopes that opera enthusiasts will appreciate this innovative interpretation of Sherlock Holmes. He emphasized that the primary goal of the production is entertainment, stating, 'Some new opera can be a bit of an intellectual exercise and that's absolutely not what I am interested in. ' He believes that the opera will be filled with drama, humor, and recognizable moments that will resonate with audiences. The music for the opera is composed by Lliam Paterson, who was approached by Northern Opera after they were impressed by his previous work. Lliam, originally from Aberdeen, faced the challenge of finding the right musical language to convey the story effectively. He explained, 'The music is very rhythmical with repeating sections and themes we obsessively return to - to mirror how Sherlock's mind works. ' Lliam has made a conscious effort to stay true to the original dialogue of Conan Doyle while also modernizing some of the language to make it more accessible for the cast and audience. He stated, 'I modernised some of the language because it would be too difficult for the cast to sing in such antiquated phraseology - and for the audience to understand it. ' Despite these adaptations, he has retained well-known phrases like 'what the deuce? ' to maintain the essence of the original work. Lliam encourages people to attend the opera, highlighting that it offers a unique perspective on Sherlock Holmes, allowing audiences to witness the characters' inner thoughts and emotions. He added, 'And lots of big dramatic solos to enjoy from Sherlock and Watson. ' Sherlock Holmes and The Sign of the Four will run from August 28 to August 31 at Leeds School of Arts. This production promises to be an exciting blend of music, drama, and the beloved detective's adventures, making it a must-see for fans of both opera and Sherlock Holmes.