Timeless classics to grace Garrick stage

Theatergoers looking for drama and thrilling twists and turns are in for a treat at Lichfield 's Garrick Theatre next month - with two timeless classics.

The Valley of Fear, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 's final Sherlock Holmes novel, is at the Garrick from Tuesday 7 February to Thursday 9 February staged by Blackeyed Theatre, in association with South Hill Park and adapted by Nick Lane.

Crammed full of adventure, mystery and brilliant deductions, The Valley of Fear was first published in the Strand Magazine between September 1914 and May 1915, featuring a classic battle of wits between the world 's most famous detective and his arch-rival, the evil Professor Moriarty.

A mysterious, coded message is received warning of imminent danger, drawing Holmes and Watson into a tale of intrigue and murder stretching from 221b Baker Street to an ancient moated manor house and across the Atlantic to the bleak Pennsylvanian Vermissa Valley.

Faced with a trail of bewildering clues, Holmes begins to unearth a darker, wider web of corruption, a secret society and - behind it all - the sinister plotting of Moriarty.

The Holmes classic is followed by another coup for the Garrick, The Verdict, a powerful courtroom thriller which inspired a multi Academy Award-nominated film starring Paul Newman.

Frank Galvin is a washed up veteran lawyer and an alcoholic presented with one last chance to redeem himself when he is given an open and shut medical malpractice case no-one thinks he can win.

Up against the unforgiving medical establishment, he courageously refuses an out of court settlement believing negligence has condemned a young mother. Smelling a cover-up, he decides to take the case and the entire legal system to court.

The Verdict is directed and designed by Michael Lunney, adapted by Margaret May Hobbs and stars Jason Merrells, Richard Walsh and Reanne Farley.

Jason Merrells is known to millions for his roles in Agatha Raisin, Emmerdale, Casualty, Waterloo Road and others. He is joined by Richard Walsh (London 's Burning), Reanne Farley (River City), Vincent Pirillo, Nigel Barber, Okon Jones, Michael Lunney, Sarah Shelton, Jason Wilson, Teresa Jennings, Holly Jackson Walters, James Morley, Bruce Chattan, Anna Arthur and Dave Speck.

The Verdict - written by Barry Reed - runs at the Garrick from Tuesday 14 February to Saturday 18 February.

Find ticket prices and more details for both shows.