A THRILLING new adaptation of The Sign of Four, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s epic second Sherlock Holmes novel, opens a three-night run at Lighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts on Thursday 31 January.

When Mary Morstan arrives at Baker Street to request help following the mysterious disappearance of her father, Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr Watson are plunged into a murky world of deception and a complex plot involving murder, corruption and stolen jewels.

Crammed full of adventure, romance, comedy and some brilliant deductions, the story has been adapted and directed by Nick Lane, with music composed by Tristan Parkes. Holmes is played by Luke Barton with Joseph Derrington as Watson and Stephanie Rutherford as Mary Morstan.

“I don't think I know anyone over the age of ten who doesn't know at least the name Sherlock Holmes,” says Nick Lane. “He is part of the literary fabric of this country and his cases with Watson are a blueprint for so many crime novels, films, TV shows and theatre. We have approached this adaptation in a stylised way which will appeal to avid fans of the novel as well as those who simply want to come to the theatre and enjoy a rattling good crime story.

Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four is produced by Blackeyed Theatre in association with New Theatre Royal Portsmouth and South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell supported by Arts Council England.

Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four is at Lighthouse Poole from Thursday, January 31 to Saturday, February 2 at 7.45pm with a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Tickets: £18, £16 Discounts: U18s

Tickets & information 01202 280000

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk