The confrontation between the world’s most dangerous woman and most famous detective does not live up to expectations.

And the main reason is surely because John Goodrum and Karen Henson not only play the two characters, but also co-direct.

Stepping into the shoes of Basil Rathbone, Jeremy Brett and Benedict Cumberbatch is a big enough task for any actor without taking on extra duties, including being in charge of set and lighting design. What Goodrum needs is a director to tell him he is not portraying some essential Holmes’ characteristics. The arrogance, swagger and slickness are missing.

Likewise Henson does not come across as the cold, seductive dominatrix previously shown in Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic story A Scandal In Bohemia.

On the plus side Goodrum and Henson portray with relish how Holmes and Dr Watson become caught up in a web of deceit.

The Rumpus Theatre Company does provide intrigue as the sleuth attempts to protect a European monarch from blackmail by the notorious society beauty.