The hint is in the title – see how Death precedes Life?

This fascinating production, written by Sherlock Holmes uber fan David Stuart Davies, editor of Sherlock magazine and author of two books on the brilliant detective, is steeped in knowledge of its subject.

It examines the troubled relationship between Arthur Conan Doyle and his greatest creation, Sherlock Holmes, and in so doing, explores the emotional agony wrought by the fickle finger of fame, as an ego-maniacal Holmes questions if he’s off the burn, wondering why his friend Dr Watson’s eyes now glaze over and his landlady won’t bring him fresh hot coffee at odd hours.

Holmes, played by Roger Llewellyn, is so effortlessly superior that he frustrates all who come into contact with him – but, as bumbling Inspector Lestrade can attest, he is indispensable, so his asides and insults are the price to be paid for his brilliance.

No one hates him more than Conan Doyle, who makes varied attempts to kill off his creation, providing much of the pathos of the play, as the writer despairs at an audience that eats up his cheap mystery scribbling, knocked off with a fraction of the effort that goes into his high-brow works of historical literary fiction.

Gareth Armstrong’s multi-faceted production draws in those who are new to Doyle’s oeuvre and fans alike for a theatrical treat as compelling as its subject.

Sherlock Holmes…The Death And Life, The Studio, York Theatre Royal.

Tonight at 7.45pm.

Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Review by Catherine Marcus