Sherlock Holmes: A Study In Scarlet, Nightshade Productions, outside Golden Fleece Inn, Pavement, York, July 26 to August 13, 7.30pm

AFTER their innovative version of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol at the York Castle Museum, Nightshade Productions return to the street night air to stage a "unique adaptation" of Sherlock Holmes: A Study In Scarlet from July 26 to August 13.

Gathering outside the Golden Fleece Inn, in Pavement, York, the audience will follow Jane Wilberfoss (Sarah Kerr), a war-veteran doctor newly returned from Afghanistan, on her quest to reunite with her troubled friend Lady Josephina Carmicle (Rose Muirhead), who has sent her a desperate plea for help.

Applying their trademark combination of historical storytelling and immersive street theatre, Nightshade will bring to life the first meeting between Jane and her long-time companion Sherlock Holmes (Amy Whitrod Brown), the world’s only consulting detective. One is still haunted by conflicts past as she struggles to find meaning in a bleak Victorian city; the other is alone, addicted and alienated.

"In a world full of mystery and deceit the truth of who Sherlock Holmes really was will finally be revealed," promises director Damian Freddi. So, note the female casting!

"Sherlock Holmes: A Study In Scarlet will be a 90-minute immersive, promenade theatre performance through the streets of York," continues Freddi, who also orchestrates the show's fight choreography. "Starting at 7pm at the Golden Fleece Inn, the audience will be at the heart of the action as they follow the characters through an adventure filled with murder, intrigue, conspiracy and revenge as Nightshade Productions present Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story as you've never seen it before."

The cast will be completed by Richard Thirlwall's Inspector Lestrade, David Zezulka's Sergeant Drebber and Daniel Gray's Alvan. Tickets are on sale at £15, concessions £10, under-16s £8, at the York Theatre Royal box office, on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. Please note, some scenes contain violence, so this production may be unsuitable for children aged under seven.