The Case of the Three Eyed Elephant

A new comedy drama exploring the creation of the world’s most famous detective Sherlock Holmes is getting its world premiere at Sheringham this summer.

The Case of the Three Eyed Elephant is a rip-roaring romp following the adventures of Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who began life as a medical student, and his university mentor Joseph Bell as they solve a murder mystery and save a man accused of a crime he didn’t commit. It will get its first airing at Sheringham Little Theatre from July 10-12 before going on a mini tour of two Norfolk halls.

The show, which is a blend of fact and fiction, has been co-written by Laurence Akers, husband of actor Suranne Jones who is the theatre president. The couple are also theatre patrons through their production company TeamAkers and Laurence is a writer and producer in his own right. On their journey Doyle and Bell bump into a few historical characters, including Charles Darwin and his pet chimp Jenzee, and witness a few historical happenings.

Laurence said the idea sprang from his family seeing a previous summer comedy at Sheringham The Hound of the Baskervilles, and saw him team up with cast members Lewes Roberts and Ryan Starling to write the new work.“I enjoyed the irreverent nature of it and approached theatre director Debbie Thompson about working with the actors, who shared the same comedy touchstones including The Young Ones, and Monty Python. We had an idea of doing a Holmes type thing but along the lines of a Horrible Histories, so there was some basis in fact.”

The real life case involved features Oscar Slater who was wrongly convicted of murder but spared hanging and served 20 years hard labour. Conan Doyle took an interest in the case and wrote a book about it.

The cast will play multiple characters with Ryan Starling (who plays Conan Doyle), and Lewes Roberts (who plays Bell) joined by Rachael Cummins who is also appearing in this year’s summer drama season, with  Little Theatre favourite Nick Earnshaw directing.

Laurence added: “It’s lovely it’s premiering at the Little Theatre. We love North Norfolk and the people we’ve met since being here so there’s a real family type feel to it.”

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “It’s fantastic that this idea which was hatched at the Little Theatre is coming here to premiere, particularly because of Conan Doyle’s strong links with North Norfolk.”

The writer was a visitor to the area in Victorian and Edwardian times, and is believed to have based some of his stories on locations at Cromer and Happisburgh, while the Hound is said to have been influenced by the legendary East Anglian beast Black Shuck.

Tickets for the show are the show, which are 2.30 daily and 7.30 Friday and Saturday are available from www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call the box office on 01263 822347. It will also be staged at Wolterton Hall near Aylsham on July 26 and Bylaugh Hall near Dereham on July 27.