The Game's Afoot: Sherlock Holmes Special

Hear the evidence gathered clue by clue - as Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, Nick Utechin investigates how the Baker Street sleuth has been portrayed on radio across the decades.

Stretching from the Forties to the Noughties, this 3 hour showcase of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle great detective features some rare recordings of Holmes and Watson in action:

* The Adventure of the Speckled Band (17/05/1945)

Why did Helen Stoner's twin sister die in mysterious circumstances on the eve of her wedding? Stars Cedric Hardwicke as Sherlock Holmes and Finlay Curry as Dr Watson.

* The Red-Headed League (19/10/1954)

The strange case of an ad seeking only red-haired men… Stars Ralph Richardson as Holmes and John Gielgud as Watson.

* The Boscombe Valley Mystery (12/12/1966)

The sleuth probes a murder in Herefordshire, but the crime's roots are down under. Stars Carleton Hobbs as Holmes and Norman Shelley as Watson.

* The Return of Sherlock Holmes: The Solitary Cyclist (17/03/1993)

The sleuth investigates who's following music teacher Violet Smith. Stars Clive Merrison as Holmes and Michael Williams as Watson.

* The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Abergavenny Murder (18/05/2004)

When a man dies in his Baker Street apartment, the detective is bound to investigate. Stars Clive Merrison as Holmes and Andrew Sachs as Watson.

Plus: Nick talks to writer and dramatist Bert Coules.

Producer: Sarah Wade

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in July 2008.