Many actors have attempted to bring life to Conan Doyle's most famous creation, with wildly varying results. Who could forget the goddamn awful..well, we'd better not name names. Holmes has been played as comedy, as tragedy, this way, that way, every which way but loose, (including loose!)
But few actors have played Sherlock Holmes and shown an audience the sparkling intellect and fascinating character of the page.
British actor Roger Llewellyn's portrayal of the master detective is nothing short of phenomenal. He is without a question the reigning heir to the tradition of excellence established by past Holmesian greats: Gillette, Rathbone and Brett.
Roger Llewellyn began acting at the age of nought. Soon after, he was playing opposite Gielgud on Broadway. (Sir John was just coming out of the library, and Roger was strumming 'My Old Man's A Dustman' outside the chippy across the road.) Soon after that, Roger won himself a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he went on to win the prestigious Shakespeare Prize.
Mr. Llewellyn has played leading roles at the regional theatres throughout the U.K. as well as on London's West End. He was cast as Holmes following his performance as the villain in The Hound of the Baskervilles in Stoke-upon-Trent. He has also appeared in many films, including Louis Malle's last film, Damage, and the recent highly acclaimed adaption of Jane Austen's Persuasion. As Holmes, Mr. Llewellyn has earned accolades from over one hundred reviewers, many of whom were completely overtaken with the power of his performance. The show has played to standing ovations in England, Scotland and Wales, France, Canada and the Far East.
Here are a few of the reviews..
"I’ve always been fairly indifferent to Doyle’s famous detective: I can take him or leave him, but I was totally spellbound by Llewellyn’s performance in this masterpiece of theatre. It is faultless & of the highest pedigree. Davies’ superb script & the deft direction from Gareth Armstrong contribute to an electrifying exhibition of theatrical art: this is not merely highly recommended, it should be compulsory viewing.
BBC Radio Review
"Llewellyn gives a flawless rendition of Holmes' sharp, complicated observations, with great wit & little maliciousness. This is where this actor's immense discretion reaps rewards for the audience. He seems to find the right pace for every eventuality, and breathes such life into the character that he will seem real for even the most fanatical Holmesian : a charming & convincing Holmes, one full of shimmering sidelights, with a conviction and a precision that is a delight to behold."
West New York Daily Press
"One of the most remarkable evenings I can recall. With forensic precision he peels back the layers of logic & intellect to reveal weakness & vulnerability. An assured, bold & forceful performance from an actor at the peak of his powers. The beautiful, precise delivery perfectly illuminated a script both bitingly funny & achingly sad. At the close, the audience rose to its feet in a standing ovation rarely seen in this theatre. Mr Llewellyn, we salute you".
The Stafford Sentinel
