PANTOMIME villain supreme David Leonard is back in York, this time to begin rehearsals for Sherlock Holmes: The Hound Of The Baskervilles, York Theatre Royal's big summer show for the family.

Last seen cadging sweets off the unsuspecting front row when playing regal rodent Hermin Vermin in the up-close traverse setting of the Signal Box Theatre in Dick Whittington And His Meerkat at the National Railway Museum, Leonard will take the lead role of Holmes from July 29 to August 27.

Directed by artistic director Damian Cruden, the new retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective novel will be a "wildly entertaining version told by a travelling troupe of lightning-fast Victorian players".

Leonard will head up a cast of six actor-musicians who will each play a variety of different roles in a show being created and developed during rehearsal by the cast, the director and dramaturg Richard Hurford, using music, shadow puppetry and the magic of theatre to tell the tale of the dreaded hound as an original and humorous extravaganza.

Conan Doyle’s mystery story is set on Dartmoor, where legend has it that the Baskerville family are haunted and hunted by a gigantic hound, whose appearance announces their impending death. As the latest member of the family succumbs to the curse, Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr John Watson assist the heir to the estate by investigating the mystery before someone else comes to a grisly end.

York Press:

Rachel Dawson, left, Elexi Walker, David Leonard, Ed Thorpe, Joanna Holden and Rob Castell gather for rehearsals. Picture: Anthony Robling

Designer Mark Walters will follow up his wonderful Dick Whittington set on the Signal Box tracks by taking the Baskerville story back to its gothic Victorian roots, while musical director and cast member Rob Castell will provide a new score to be performed by Leonard, Rachel Dawson, Joanna Holden, Ed Thorpe, Elexi Walker and himself.

The Theatre Royal has a liking for giving classic stories a new twist, such as The Wind In The Willows in 2014 and The Railway Children last summer. Fast costume changes, live music, tongue-in-cheek humour and physical slapstick can be expected this summer.

Director Damian Cruden says: "We're looking forward to creating an exciting fun-filled piece of entertainment for all ages. The cast have great singing and musical skills, as well as being fantastic actors, so we're certain that this show will be engaging for all the family. An atmospheric and exciting mystery, along with some surprises awaits, everyone in our beautiful, newly refurbished theatre space."

"Can the Hound be real? Is the young Sir Henry in danger for his life? Can Watson solve the crime alone? Is Holmes really in London?" asks Cruden. "Whom can Watson trust? Why doesn’t Mrs Hudson get more to say? Does the Hound eat Pedigree Chum (other brands of dog food available) or does he prefer a dry food like Bakers Complete? None of these questions will be answered unless we get on with rehearsals sharpish."

Tickets for 7pm evening shows and 2.30pm matinees are on sale on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk