It's a spoof version of a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery with Norfolk roots, and it's coming to a north Norfolk stage.

Nick Earnshaw will direct the Sheringham Little Theatre production of the Hound of the Baskervilles involving costume changes, slapstick humour, fun and clever effects.

Mr Earnshaw said he was intrigued to discover the local links to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale, which was first printed in the Strand magazine 123 years ago.

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He said: “In the spring of 1901, the author decided to take a short break in north Norfolk after returning unwell from his stint as a volunteer doctor in South Africa.

"Staying in Cromer’s Royal Links Hotel, he was accompanied on his Norfolk trip by a friend, the journalist Bertram Fletcher Robinson.

“During their visit Conan Doyle and Fletcher Robinson were invited to dinner at Cromer Hall. Their host, Benjamin Cabbell, is alleged to have entertained his guests with the tale of his Devon ancestor Richard Cabbell.

“The family legend bears a striking similarity to the way in which Hugo Baskerville meets his death on Dartmoor in The Hound of the Baskervilles."

Mr Earnshaw said the hound in the story may have been inspired by Norfolk's own legendary canine, Black Shuck.

Conan Doyle is said to have heard the tale of the ghostly black dog from locals in the bar of the Royal Links Hotel in West Runton after bad weather ruled out a planned round of golf.

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Mr Earnshaw added: “It has long been evident that Cromer Hall may have provided the inspiration for the fictional Baskerville Hall.

"It is certain from the descriptions in the book there are many similar structural elements between the real-life Norfolk country house  - rebuilt in the late 1820s in the Gothic Revival style - and Conan Doyle’s fictional creation."

The show will run from August 15-19, visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call 01263 822347 for tickets.