Amateur actor Ryan Caston has certainly got his work cut out in his latest role. He is playing the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and no less that six other characters in The Hound of the Baskervilles at The Oasthouse Theatre in Rainham.

The novel is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s best known Sherlock Holmes story but the adaptation being staged at by Rainham Theatrical Society is a gloriously funny makeover of the original.

Packed full of verbal and visual ingenuity, the play includes comedy and slapstick.

Jo Godman, who is making her debut as director, said: “When I first read the script I couldn’t stop laughing and thought this would be a great play to direct and would certainly entertain our audiences.

“The play is so fast paced and relies on a talented cast. Thankfully I was fortunate to have cast three talented young men who have been working so hard. The chemistry between them is fantastic.”

The play, by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, opens when Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on his estate, with a look of terror still etched on his face, and the paw prints of a gigantic hound beside his body. The great detective Sherlock Holmes is summoned from Baker Street, with Dr Watson in tow, to unravel the mysteries surrounding his death, and investigate the ancient curse of the Hound of the Baskervilles.

Michael Gentry is playing Dr Watson and Luke Bailey plays several roles including Sir Henry and Mortimer.

Among Ryan’s roles will be Holmes, a yokel and both Mr and Mrs Barrymore. This means several very quick costume changes. Ryan said: “This is a great part and with so many character changes I have to really keep my wits about me and remember who I am supposed to be.”

The show will be performed at the Oasthouse Theatre, Rainham, from March 9 to 18. Curtain up at 8pm. The production is being entered in the Kent Full Length Play Festival and will be adjudicated by Paul Doust on Friday, March 17.

Tickets can be booked online at www.oasthousetheatre.co.uk or by phone on 0844 8793224.