ALONGSIDE his trusted sidekick Dr Watson and with the able aid of faithful compatriots Mrs Hudson and Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard, Sherlock Holmes will attempt to re-enact one of his most baffling unsolved cases at Swindon Arts Centre on Sunday.

Fresh from their sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, join Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson in The Farewell Tour, an evening of intrigue, amazement and amusement.

Pit your deductive skills against those of the Great Detective as a case unfolds before your very eyes!

Expertly written by Stuart Fortey, there’s everything you might expect from Sherlock Holmes — and more!

Actor, musician and artist Adrian Banks fell under the spell of the show when he saw it five years ago and instantly wanted to play the character — so he 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 Benedict 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 The Mile and sold out, so we decided to take it on a national tour.’’ 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.

Adrian is also a dab hand at beat boxing.

“It’s a good vocal warm-up for acting, it helps with the rhythms and it is fun as well.’’ And the actor other top skill is archery.

“Just in case I get a part in Robin Hood,’’ said Adrian.

Holmes and Watson: The Farewell Tour is on Sunday at Swindon’s Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town from 7.30pm.

Tickets are £17 from 01793 524 481 or www.swindontheatres.co.uk