A COMEDY spoof of Sherlock Holmes' most famous case is taking centre stage in Keighley.

The comic version of The Hound of the Baskervilles is being performed at the playhouse, in Devonshire Street, from Monday, May 2, until Saturday, May 7.

Adapted by Steve Canny and John Nicholson, the play has its roots in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1901 story – beginning with the shocking death of Sir Charles Baskerville.

According to legend the family is hounded by a curse which sees a hellish dog baying for the Baskervilles’ blood.

With Sir Charles’ nephew and only known heir on his way to claim his inheritance, Sherlock Holmes is tasked with getting to the bottom of the curse.

The production is directed by Kevin Moore.

A playhouse spokesperson said: "The most famous of all the Sherlock Holmes stories is being brought to the stage in this hilarious spoof.

"Telling the tale of a family curse, an escaped convict and Holmes in disguise makes this one not to be sniffed at.

"Multiple crime suspects are in the dog house and there is a tense showdown on the treacherous misty moorland. But this is a spoof, so things don’t always stick to the script!

"One of literature’s most terrifying tales starts off traditionally with Sir Charles Baskerville dying of a heart attack after coming face to face with a terrible beast out on the moor. But almost immediately the audience is thrown off the scent as an arrogant, observant, egocentric Holmes stops the proceedings to introduce the cast. He has the audacity to explain what’s going to happen and then says he has to read out a warning asking that anyone of a nervous disposition should now leave.

"A comedy chase hot on the heels of slapstick and an excessive amount of costume changes bring some high energy to the greatest detective in the world, whose skills and deductive powers are phenomenal."

Evening performances begin at 7.30pm.

For tickets, call 07599 890769.

Other productions at the playhouse this season include a performance – directed by Phillip Smith and Anne Mody – of the Neil Simon comedy, Last of the Red Hot Lovers. It runs from June 13-18.

It features Barney Cashman – a happily married father-of-three and successful businessman who realises that the sexual revolution is passing him by, and he determines to have an affair.

For more about playhouse events, visit keighleyplayhouse.co.uk.