Vanessa Faye Stanley on her role in Sherlock Holmes and the Invisible Thing

Written by Greg Freeman and directed by David Phipps-Davis, Sherlock Holmes and the Invisible thing is at At Rudolf Steiner Theatre from Wednesday 17th July 2019.

Staged at Rudolf Steiner Theatre – a stone’s throw from Holmes’ 221B Baker Street the production opens on 25 July, with previews from 17 July, and runs until 18 August.

Holmes and Watson are called to investigate a murder seemingly committed by an invisible perpetrator. As they probe into the mysterious lakeside drowning, something startling emerges…

A perplexed Inspector Peacock summons Holmes and Watson to the home of Miss Lucy Grendle, the daughter of the late Alfred Grendle – a man with a shadowy past. Miss Lucy Grendle has a problem with vodka (and Sherlock Holmes). The last time their paths crossed, it did not end well. Tension is in the air, and it’s not just because an Invisible Thing is prowling the house.

The Artiscape spoke with Vanessa Faye Stanley on her role in the play.

We asked Vanessa what she could tell us about the character she plays?

Vanessa: Lucy Grendle, the mistress of the estate where strange things have been going on. She’s been to university, is a bit eccentric and a dab hand at poker. If ever Sherlock Holmes was capable of loving a woman, it would be her. She also shares her name with the monster in Beowulf, which may, or may not, be a clue…

What other character did she love in the play?

Vanessa: Grendle loves Holmes, but I love them all. The play is full of wonderful archetypes with a twist. I’m not especially fond of The Invisible Thing- it’s not very easy to act with. 

We asked her how she prepared for the role?

Vanessa: I try to learn my lines as early as possible so I can be free to experiment and play on stage. I trust the aspects of myself which are true to the character. I’m a bit of a Grendle. I’m also reading The Invisible Man by H.G. Welles. 

What does Vanessa think an audience will love about the play?

Vanessa: Wonderful characters, a baffling murder… it’s a costume melodrama that manages to be relevant, moving and funny all at once. It’s a three pipe case, as Holmes would say!

Finally, we asked her, why she thinks audiences love Sherlock Holmes so much?

Vanessa: The British are mad for hats, whodunnits and a good catchphrase. For tourists, there are only two memorable addresses in England: Buckingham Palace and 221b Baker Street. And there is something about Sherlock Holmes that we like to think represents the quintessentially British gentleman- awkward and eccentric, but quite the genius. 

Sherlock Holmes and the Invisible thing is at At Rudolf Steiner Theatre from Wednesday 17th July 2019 – Sunday 18th August 2019