Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous creation was brought to life – along with Watson, Moriarty, Inspector Lestrade and Mrs Hudson – by Roger Llewellyn in this highly entertaining one-man show. The actor leapt effortlessly from role to role.

Writer David Stuart Davies has put together a clever script that interweaves Doyle’s determination to kill off Holmes with scenes where the great detective recounts cases and explains to Watson his elementary deductions. The second half took a more surreal turn that allowed Holmes and Moriarty to turn on their creator and challenge his ending – a Pirandello theatrical trick.

Llewellyn also took on the role of Doyle as he writes letters to his mother explaining that, like Dr Frankenstein, he has created a monster which has overtaken him. The popularity of Holmes is such that he has merely become “The Sherlock Holmes Man” and that he should now turn to more serious literary work.

The piece was full of humour and there was a scene at a séance – Doyle being a great adherent of that faith – that was deliciously camp.

Sadly, at the performance I attended, the production and the brilliant performance was not rewarded by a larger audience. But those who did attend were spellbound throughout.