Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic thriller is given a makeover in this touring production by Original Theatre Company - and what a makeover. The spine-tingling mystery still sits at its heart but instead of gasps of horror, the audience is chuckling along at the madcap escapade.

Adapted by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, the show is told by three actors playing a multitude of characters and playing for laughs. It is frenzied, farcical and just plain funny.

And yet the story remains faithful to Conan Doyle’s original, following its plot in which Sir Charles Baskerville has died in mysterious circumstances and rumour spreads he has been killed by the Baskerville curse, in the shape of a mighty and fearful hound. The family heir Sir Henry returns from abroad to take his rightful place at their Dartmoor mansion but is his life also in danger?

The cast of three whip through roles and costumes faster than you can whistle a Jack Russell as they race through the tale. Jake Ferretti plays the super-sleuth Holmes, a man so full of self-belief he is determined he can, and will, discover the truth of the mysterious goings-on. Along the way, Ferretti doubles up as the Baskervilles’ neighbour Stapleton, Stapleton’s sister Cecile, the family butler, the butler’s wife and a train driver - to name but a few.

Niall Ransome is the ever faithful Watson whose admiration for Holmes means he obeys every word - even when not understanding the reasoning.

Serena Manteghi is a bluff Sir Henry, keen to keep up family tradition and believe the best in all around him - despite his life being in danger. Manteghi also takes on a host of other roles from village yokels to the local doctor.

Together the trio maintain a rapid pace, despite the hectic costume changes, and ensure lots of silliness.

Originally directed by Lotte Wakeham at the Octagon Theatre Bolton with the tour directed by Tim Jackson, the production is full of daft moments which will have audience members laughing out loud. Whatever Conan Doyle would have made of this production, there’s little doubt the audiences are enjoying it.

David Woodhead’s set is a largely empty stage with a brooding darkened mansion overlooking the action and plenty of props being rolled on and off-stage to create the different settings. There’s also plenty of dry ice to ensure we remember we’re on a foggy moorland.

Canny and Nicholson say they wanted to bring out the comic potential of the story. Initially that may be hard to conceive as the original is anything but funny, but this production just goes to show that with a willingness to experiment, a bit of nerve and a great team, a story can be given a different lease of life.

Four stars.

Reviewed by Diane Parkes at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry where The Hound of the Baskervilles continues to show until Saturday 12 February.