The Adventure of the Speckled Band performed by Andrew Murton

Ingenious one-man show conjures a Conan Doyle classic. You take on Sherlock Holmes at your peril. And to attempt one of the most sacred texts in the canon unaccompanied, in a marquee on a hot day, must surely be the height of folly. This was a one-man show in every sense. Andrew Murton adapted the original text of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story for solo performance and also built an ingenious set. He took us from Baker Street, to a train, a dog cart and the menacing gloom of Dr. Grimesby Roylott’s Surrey home with compelling ease.

Daunt Books in Summertown is blessed with a large courtyard and the marquee provides an intimate performance space, with a good sound system. Andrew Murton drew us into the world of Holmes and Watson from the first stab of melodramatic music.

He conjured four protagonists. Holmes himself was a clipped, brisk persona, suggesting the influence of the definitive interpreter, Clive Merrison. Watson was the sturdy, faithful companion and chronicler. A slight shift in the pitch of the voice and an arching of the eyebrows brought us Miss Helen Stoner. It was notable that, although the actor wore a moustache throughout, we only noticed it when Watson was speaking.

The most enthralling cameo was the appearance at Baker Street of Dr. Grimesby Roylott himself. With a top hat, a sneer and a snarl, Andrew Murton presented us with one of the most fearsome villains that Holmes ever encountered.

The only questionable moment in the whole performance came at a defining scene in the Holmes legend. In his rage, Roylott bends a poker, demonstrating the threat of his physical menace. Famously, after the doctor’s departure, Holmes casually bends it back again. It looked as though this was a bit of business that didn’t quite work.

It didn’t matter. We were gripped from start to finish and Holmes’ battle with the dastardly swamp adder was a deliciously hammy and preposterous finale.

Andrew Murton clearly loves his Sherlock Holmes. This was an affectionate and perfectly pitched homage.