Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society.

Runs until Saturday. THIS unusual musical saw the Victorian super sleuth pitched against the evil family of his old arch rival Professor Moriarty.

The production cleverly interweaved song and dance spectaculars with Holmes' hunt for his old adversary.

From the moment the curtains opened and the audience saw the two enemies plunge to their "deaths" at the Reichenbach Falls everyone was gripped.

Spectacular scenery, lighting and excellent sound amplified all the principals.

Plot-line, choreography and musical score proved challenging but all were ably dealt with by a superb cast. Michael Taylor shone out as Holmes and the inter-play with his bumbling side-kick Dr Watson (Ernest Dawson) worked well.

David Wilson also enjoyed his chance to shine as the bungling Inspector Lestrade.

Vicki Wilson as the evil Bella Spellgrove enjoyed the limelight with some stunning solos.

And a strong chorus provided a riot of colour and strong vocals in well-rehearsed company scenes, including a real old knees-up on Apples 'n' Pears, a song based on Cockney rhyming slang.

From such a talented cast it's unfair to pick a favourite but one of the biggest rounds of applause went to Joyce Walters who excelled as the hard done-by housekeeper Mrs Hudson, singing powerfully of her Lousy Life.

With tickets still available for some nights this fantastic production proves an amateur dramatic group can really pull out all the stops and put on a truly professional show. Dave Roberts

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