FLICKY HARRISON chats to a man who is on a mission to play the iconic Victorian sleuth

Actor, musician and artist Adrian Banks wanted to perform the role of Sherlock Holmes, so he befriended a team of producers so he could become the iconic sleuth.

He fell under the spell of the show called: Holmes and Watson: The Farewell Tour, when he saw it five years ago. He instantly wanted to play the character and called on his knowledge of Sherlock's tricksy mind to win the part.

"I got to know those involved and on the sly suggested they bring the show back. I planted the seed and I got in touch with Liam Nooney, who played Dr Watson in the original version, and so we revived it,'' said Adrian.

The 28-year-old actor grew up with the films and TV shows based on Conan Doyle's famous character, and he had the natural desire to top Benedick Cumberbatch's performance as the great detective.

But, Adrian says it is the scriptwriter Stuart Fortey who is the biggest Sherlock Holmes fan. Stuart read all the original fiction and throughout the current show there are subtle reference to many of the back stories of Holmes and Watson.

"When we took the show to the Edinburgh Fringe we could see the people who were massive fans smiling knowingly at the references,'' said Adrian.

"We played at the Space On Thee Mile and sold out, so we decided to take it on a national tour.''

The second string to Adrian's bow is his singing voice. He is the lead singer and songwriter with an alternative rock band called Zurich. He also plays bass guitar.

The band were featured in a film called Turbulence, named after one of their song titles. The rom-com style film was written by Michael Baig-Clifford, who asked students from the Birmingham School of Acting to audition for the project. Adrian was studying at the college at the time.

"It was only after I got on board through my acting that he found out about my band. He asked to hear our music and we got to play in it, and our music is the soundtrack,'' said Adrian. "I got to play an over the top version of myself. It was a great opportunity as I had just left drama school.''

Adrian's music is still very much a part of his career. Following the end of his UK tour as Holmes he will be composing the music for a production by the Cherwell Theatre Company.

"I am creating orchestral arrangements in my home studio for a show called The Web, which is aimed at youngsters aged seven to nine. It is to warn them of the dangers of the internet. It is a good script,'' he said.

Adrian is the musical director for the company, who perform a number of plays and pantomimes, and are involved with community youth drama groups. The professional actors give tips for auditions or getting in to drama school.

"We also do open air Shakespeare at Broughton Castle,'' said Adrian.

The third string to Adrian's bow is beat boxing.

"It's a good vocal warm-up for acting, it helps with the rhythms and it is fun as well.''

And the arrow to his bow is the actor's skill at archery.

"Just in case I get a part in Robin Hood,'' said Adrian.

Holmes and Watson: The Farewell Tour is on Sunday, March 19 at Swindon's Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town from 7.30pm. Tickets are £17 from 01793 524 481 or www.swindontheatres.co.uk - Flicky Harrison