There is a certain, undeniable joy in a good story, well told, and there are few yarns more ripping, or gripping, than those featuring the irascible Mr Holmes.

As The Final Curtain might suggest however, this doesn't quite feature our favourite super-sleuth in his magnificent prime. Rather, it is thirty years removed from the death of his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty, at the Reichenbach Falls. Holmes, firmly in his winter years, whiles away listless days by bee-keeping and fly-fishing – secretly hoping for a spot of excitement which never comes.

His wish is answered, and then some, when the body of a young woman in man's attire washes up on a beach near his home – followed shortly by the unsolicited appearance of an old friend, there to beg for help.

What follows is a typically twisty-turny affair, with a supernatural spin to boot, as Holmes ducks and dodges attacks from all corners, in what proves to be his most baffling case yet.

In all of this, Robert Powell captivates as the embattled, consulting detective, steely and vulnerable by turns, while his erstwhile comrade Dr Watson (Timothy Kightley) proves to be a remarkably effective foil, being at the 'heart' of the performance.

If there is any criticism to be levelled, it is that the staging is a little monologue heavy, with characters spending large periods rooted to the spot, waxing lyrical on their thoughts. However this is a foible inherited from the source material and hardly spoils proceedings.

A thrilling night of theatre. - Marion Sauvebois

Sherlock Holmes: The Final Curtain runs at the Theatre Royal Bath until May 5.