5 Mins With...

Hound of The Baskervilles cast

Theatr Clwyd welcomes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most celebrated adventure, The Hound of the Baskervilles to its stage this week. The cast is Jake Ferretti (The Kitchen, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, The Understudy) as Sherlock Holmes, Serena Manteghi (Welcome To Iran, To Build a Rocket, Mrs Wilson) as Sir Henry and Niall Ransome as Dr. Watson (Mischief Movie Night, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery). We sat down with the cast to find out more...

What can you tell us about the characters you play?

Jake Ferretti: I think one of the stand-out things for me regarding Holmes is how distant he can be (especially to Watson) and, whilst being unimaginably intelligent, his emotional intelligence leaves a lot to be desired. But, I kind of love him for that.

Serena Manteghi: I play a whole host of colourful characters, including Sir Charles Baskerville, Dr Mortimer, a helpful London cabbie, three "yokels" (one wise, two less so) and last but not least, the romantic lead (after Dr Watson, of course) and newest Squire of Baskerville Hall; Sir Henry Baskerville!

Niall Ransome: I play Doctor Watson. Literature's most famous sidekick. He's been such a fun part to get to grips with. He has a real puppy dog loyalty in this show and it's fun to play him as a total idiot. A competent incompetence really. In the books Watson is normally the readers 'in' to the story and it's nice to find the fun in him with this.

What are you most looking forward to in the show?

Jake Ferretti: The ridiculousness of it all. Let's face it, we've all had an indescribably horrific time over the past two years and to be a part of a super fun, super funny piece (in an actual theatre!). I can't wait to get it in front of people now.

Serena Manteghi: Blimey, I'm not sure if I could choose one thing in particular! Also, I don't want to give anything away, that said, there is a rather stunning tango sequence, if I do say so myself.

Niall Ransome: There's so much I enjoy about it and it's a very physical show for all of us. Anything with the three of us all on stage together, I think. It's been so much fun finding the dynamics with each other and trying to catch the others out. Trying to surprise ourselves and make everyone laugh, that makes this show exciting.

The Hound of the Baskervilles: Niall Ransome, Serena Manteghi, Jake Ferretti. Photo: Pamela Raith

The Hound of the Baskervilles: Niall Ransome, Serena Manteghi, Jake Ferretti. Photo: Pamela Raith

What are you looking forward to most about touring?

Jake Ferretti: Eating! Niall, Serena and I are huge foodies and we have some deliciously delightful places we plan on testing whilst there.

Serena Manteghi: Ooh! This is a great question! I think probably I'm most excited about enjoying a culinary exploration of the UK as Jake, Niall and I are all passionate eaters. I am currently compiling a list of the best ice cream vendors in all our touring stops. If you have any recommendations for your favourite coffee/food/sweet treats in your home town, please do tweet @serenamanteghi

Niall Ransome: After the last year and a half, getting to visit some amazing theatres and the cities they're in is going to be amazing. It feels like we've all been stuck in one place for so long so it's going to be very exciting to get back on the road. And getting this show in front of different audiences all around the country, each for a week at a time then packing up the car and onto the next, is going to feel brilliant.

And coming to Theatr Clwyd?

Serena Manteghi: I think some the best audiences in the world are at Theatr Clwyd and it is so beautifully situated. That being said, I am so excited for every stop, I either have a very fond connection to them or have never been and am thus filled with joyous anticipation to explore these new spots!

Niall Ransome: I did The 39 Steps at Theatr Clywd and we had a great time there, so I'm excited to get back to the theatre on the hill.

How does it feel to be back on stage after a tough time for the theatre industry?

Serena Manteghi: On the first day of rehearsals, I turned to Jake and Niall and said "I feel like a kid who was won a competition". I am just elated to be back doing the job I love. I am a big believer in the importance of gathering together in a theatre and sharing a story, especially after the year we've all had.

Describe the play in three words:

Jake Ferretti: Fun from beginning.

Serena Manteghi: Spooky joyous fun.

Niall Ransome: Book tickets now!

• The Hound Of The Baskervilles is at Theatr Clwyd from September 21-25. Tickets are from £20. Booking available at theatrclwyd.com or by calling the box office on 01352 344101.