Synchronicity will present The Hound of the Baskervilles at the Engine Room in View Street later this month.

Director Wendy Collishaw said the company had taken the classic story and added romance and humour, and a twist in the form of a female Watson.

She said a Sherlock Holmes story was something the company had been looking at producing for some time.

“I think it’s the really good balance of character development and the mystery, the story – and it’s entertaining,” Mrs Collishaw said of the appeal of the detective stories.

Of the decision to have a female sidekick for Sherlock Holmes, Mrs Collishaw said the original story was “very male”, so bringing in more female characters made it more interesting for the audience.

The entire production was local, she said – playwright Geoff Collishaw wrote the script, it starred Bendigo-based talent, and the set was built locally.

Mrs Collishaw said Bendigo was a great place for people to create original work, and called on the community to support local talent.

She said support of local theatre helped build the skills, talent and confidence of those involved, while also supporting local business and the wider community.

The Hound of the Baskervilles will run October 26 to 28.

Tickets cost $30 to $35, and are available at www.thecapital.com.au.