Sherlock Holmes: The Final Reckoning @ Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh

Theatre company Twisted Thistle bring something to the stage that has been examined before. But rather than perform an adaptation or an original Sherlock Holmes tale, they examine his relationship with his only real companion – Dr John Watson. The difference between this and other productions lies in how sublimely constructed it is.

We find Sherlock (Michael Daviot) imprisoned for the murder of Dr Watson (Mark Kydd). Holmes begins to hallucinate, reflecting on his rose-tinted time with his friend. Then, Watson appears before Holmes. As they discuss the origins of their greatest nemesis, Professor Moriarty, we realise more is at work than the world's foremost criminal mastermind.

Though many have tried, the majority have failed to grasp the essence of Holmes in his later life. It takes true adoration of Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation to craft a narrative which not only fits the character but also complements it. All at once, playwright David Stuart Davies pays tribute to previous iterations, respects the original story and enhances it as well.

Minimalist staging pushes our two performers into the characters of Holmes and Watson. Utilising a small space to its fullest, Emily Ingram's direction leads to seamless transitions. Not only this, but scenes flow naturally as we move from ember-lit Baker Street to the azure falls of Reichenbach. In no small part, this comes down to Roddy Simpson's tremendous sound design, which, with Laure Paterson’s violin solos, make for a tangible atmosphere. Every scratch in Holmes' mind pierces our ears. The performance is visceral in parts, and the rich setting of the Assembly Roxy heightens the tension.

The scene has been set, the ambience created – so what of our main players? Daviot’s Holmes is sensational. Simple, clean-cut and a tad on the old-fashioned side, though this is far from a criticism. Never straying too close to another performer’s depiction, Daviot’s turn is masterful and deductive but conceals a rarely seen rawness.

Without the good doctor though, Holmes is nothing. Mark Kydd’s turn as Watson is accomplished; he slinks into the background when required but has no issue controlling the stage. Kydd does well to complement Daviot’s performance, yet is a stand-out in his own right.

This may just be a Sherlock for everyone, appeasing the diehard cynics, but it has enough to welcome those unfamiliar with the text. As the final reckoning may be upon the consulting detective, pray this isn’t the only game afoot for Twisted Thistle.

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Formation Festival: Sherlock Holmes: The Final Reckoning @ Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh, until 3 Mar