2011 Edinburgh Fringe
Max & Ivan review
Stop the press! Sherlock Holmes didn't die at Reichenbach Falls, as previously thought. He met his death falling from the sky onto hard land, after misjudging windspeed - but not before destroying all of the criminal fraternity.
Max & Ivan's imaginings of the great detective are delightful, inventive and laugh-out-loud.
Poor Max has broken his ankle this festival, and copes brilliantly with his crutches, and like true professionals, the pair have, of course, incorporated the accident to get a few laughs too.
I'm known as something of a Conan Doyle super-fan and really enjoy rewrites of the Sherlock stories. Of the many I've seen for the stage, this is one of the best.
Max & Ivan play off each other really well which, for me, was the best thing about it. They tell the story of Holmes plunging deep into Chicago's murky underworld with charm, using their comfortable and natural stage presence without a thought.
They resisted the temptation to use the audience... apart from twice (both the same person), which was a nice little addition to the tale but not overwhelming.
Overall opinion? It's elementary dear reader... an excellent, funny show from two talented chaps.
Max and Ivan Are Holmes and Watson listing