The world premiere of a Sherlock Holmes caper sounds like enormous fun, but for The Theatre, Chipping Norton it also involves a huge amount of work, signalling its most ambitious project to date.

Because not only is the production in-house, but is also going on a national tour.

“Our in-house productions are a really big deal,” producer Emily Moseley agrees, as she prepares to stage Sherlock Holmes and The Crimson Cobbles.

But then The Theatre is increasingly opting to showcase its own work, its ambitions increasing with every production. The current adaption about the famous detective is no different, raising its game on every level.

“Our in-house shows get bigger every time we do one, because of the expectations of the national and regional venues, so we are thrilled with how the audiences are reacting to our Sherlock Holmes play,” Emily says, the play having opened in Salisbury last week.

“Touring it is a new thing for us, to be able to do something bigger than we have ever done before in terms of its potential is enormous,” she adds. “So we have worked with some incredible designers to ensure that the set can be erected in any venue, and have an amazing Victorian wardrobe.

“We have all been on a real journey and yet the play is still a homegrown product that we are really proud of.”

So why tour at all? “We couldn’t justify the scale of the expense just for two weeks in Chipping Norton, so we saw who else was interested in Sherlock Holmes and the Crimson Cobbles and now we have a six week tour, which along with the panto should help pay for the rest of the year at the theatre.

“It has to be financially viable,” Emily points out.

As for the play itself, Emily says: “It is a pastiche of sorts but also a play that comes from a love of all things Sherlock Holmes. Everyone involved is a real Sherlock nerd and it shows, from the script to the design, set and costumes. There are geeky twists everywhere, from the Hound of the Baskerville painting on the wall of the set to the Conan Doyle lines inadvertently planted all the way through, which get recognised by the fans.

“So it comes from a place of love but is daft and silly at the same time,” Emily explains.

Massive fans of the writer Toby Hulse’s work, having adapted his Around The World in 80 Days, The Theatre therefore jumped at the chance to stage his newest offering.

“We are always looking for new plays, but we really love Toby’s writing. Most of it involves three actors playing a ridiculous amount of characters, and he has used the same approach with Sherlock Holmes.

“So, as ever, Sherlock Holmes and the Crimson Cobbles is incredibly funny, witty and unashamedly sinister, accompanied by a sense of joy and fun and silliness that characterises all his work.”

As for the future, Emily shrugs: “Who knows? Next year we might manage an even bigger production, because while all slightly experimental, our in-house shows always sell well and give us the kudos of producing really professional work.”

Watch the show at the following venues throughout September and October:

Sherlock Holmes and the Crimson Cobbles, The Theatre Chipping Norton, until Sunday. chippingnortontheatre. com 01608 642350

Bampton Village Hall on September 9. Call 01993 851142.

The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury on October 5. themillartscentre.co.uk. 01295 279002.

Cassington Village Hall on October 7. cassingtonvillagehall.org.uk 01865 883512 / 01865 881813.

Ramsden Memorial Hall on October 13. ramsdenvillage.co.uk 01993 868222.

Mollington Village Hall on October 14. Call 01295 750230.

Steeple Aston Village Hall on October 15. Call 01869 340423 / 01869 340485.

Pegasus Theatre, Oxford, on October 27. pegasustheatre.org.uk 01865 812150.

Cornerstone, Didcot on October 28. cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144.