Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre Opens Season with Legendary Detectives Reinvented

Jul 23, 2024 | News

MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B, New Sleuths for a New Era

Antigonish, NS – July 4th, 2024 – Festival Antigonish Summer Theater is thrilled to launch its 2024 Season with the opening of MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B by Kate Hamill. This witty and contemporary adaptation of the classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries runs July 4th to July 20th at the Bauer Theatre.
Directed by Festival Artistic Director, Andrea Boyd, this production reimagines the iconic detective duo as dynamic female leads navigating mysteries in modern-day London. The irreverent take promises nonstop laughs packed into a rollicking murder mystery with a bold and modern lens.

Director Boyd is particularly enthusiastic about the cast and creative team, “Their combined talents, fresh perspectives, and commitment to the festival brings an exceptional level of artistry.” The cast features Stephanie MacDonald as Ms. Sherlock Holmes, Alexis Milligan as Ms. Joan Watson, Sophie- Thérèse Stone-Richards as Irene Adler, Mrs. Drebber, and Mrs. Hudson and Antigonish local, Allister Macdonald as Inspector Lestrade, and other surprise roles. “The cast is incredibly talented,” said Boyd, “I am so excited for audiences to see their dynamic performances.”

MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B is sometimes referred to as ‘cheerfully desecrating’ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved characters. Playwright Kate Hamill is known for her bold adaptations from literature. She is currently one of the most-produced playwrights in the U.S. and was named the 2017 ‘Playwright of the Year’ by the Wall Street Journal, who wrote Hamill’s adaptations of the classics are endlessly ingenious,” and this production is no exception. Audiences can expect a clever, fast- paced, and entertaining performance that delves into the complexities of friendship, mystery, and justice.

Director Boyd is particularly enthusiastic about the cast and creative team, “Their combined talents, fresh perspectives, and commitment to the festival brings an exceptional level of artistry.” The cast features Stephanie MacDonald as Ms. Sherlock Holmes, Alexis Milligan as Ms. Joan Watson, Sophie- Thérèse Stone-Richards as Irene Adler, Mrs. Drebber, and Mrs. Hudson and Antigonish local, Allister Macdonald as Inspector Lestrade, and other surprise roles. “The cast is incredibly talented,” said Boyd, “I am so excited for audiences to see their dynamic performances.”

MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B is sometimes referred to as ‘cheerfully desecrating’ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved characters. Playwright Kate Hamill is known for her bold adaptations from literature. She is currently one of the most-produced playwrights in the U.S. and was named the 2017 ‘Playwright of the Year’ by the Wall Street Journal, who wrote Hamill’s adaptations of the classics are endlessly ingenious,” and this production is no exception. Audiences can expect a clever, fast- paced, and entertaining performance that delves into the complexities of friendship, mystery, and justice.

“It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Sherlock Holmes and the endless possibilities of reinterpreting classic stories for our contemporary sensibilities,” says Boyd. “The design elements perfectly blend the classic and contemporary, both stunning and surprising.” The creative team includes Set Designer Vickie Marston, Costume Designer Elizabeth Perry, Lighting Designer Ingrid Risk, Sound Designer Paul Morgan Donald and Fight Director Karen Basset. The festival is advising the production is appropriate for ages 13 and up as it contains some adult references, gunshots, stage combat and an ‘excessive’ amount of stage blood.
“Support from our local audience inspires us to push the boundaries of creativity and storytelling,” added Boyd. “We are committed to constantly challenging ourselves and bringing innovative and engaging theatre to our community,”
Tickets for MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B are available through the festival’s website and box office. Festival Antigonish looks forward to welcoming audiences to this fresh and innovative production that promises an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Performance Dates: July 3 – July 20, 2024
Location: Bauer Theatre, Antigonish, NS
Tickets: Available Online or by calling the box office at (902) 867-3333.
For media inquiries, please contact: 
Managing Director Caleb Marshall
Email: cmarshal@stfx.ca