Icy cold temperatures in January make the perfect backdrop for Aquila Theatre’s production of The Hound of the Baskervilles (1/25) set in the foggy, chilly moors of England. Adapted from the novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this spine-tingling tale follows the legendary Sherlock Holmes in a new production brimming with both suspense and comedy.
Written in 1901, Doyle originally released The Hound of the Baskervilles in serialized form in The Strand Magazine. Since then, the story has been adapted into more than 20 films in multiple languages; 12+ audio dramas; a rock album; more than half a dozen theatrical experiences; and even a video game!
“With Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle perfected the ideal of the genius detective,” shared Art Taylor, Professor of English at George Mason University and assistant director for George Mason’s Creative Writing Department. “Sherlock’s influence has continued through the nearly 140 years since he first appeared, inspiring characters from Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot through more recent TV shows like Monk and House, and even to the new show Watson, which debuted early 2025. What’s interesting is how flexible Sherlock the character is—how easily these stories and the world of Sherlock can be updated, reworked, and often reinvigorated for new audiences and new eras. The ‘Sherlock’ course I teach at George Mason devotes nearly as much time to adaptations, pastiches, and spin-offs as to the original stories, and the last time I taught the class, we even added Moriarty the Patriot, bringing Sherlock into the world of manga and anime. All of which is to say that I personally can’t wait to see what Aquila Theatre does with The Hound of the Baskervilles, arguably the best-known and best-loved of Conan Doyle’s works—rich with atmosphere, suspense, and surprise.”
In this fast-paced fun-filled mystery, you may even get the chance to get in on the act and help solve the case! So get ready to get sleuthing and catch Aquila Theatre’s exciting adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles on Sunday, January 25 at 4 p.m. Tickets for this performance are limited, so don’t delay!