Interesting Interview: Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is beloved around the world for roles in Jeeves and Wooster and the Hobbit films, narrating the Harry Potter series, and so much more.  But today, we are going to celebrate his connection to Sherlock Holmes.  Stephen has narrated Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection for Audible, played Mycroft Holmes in the second Robert Downey Jr. film, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, been a member of The Sherlock Holmes Society of London for decades, narrated the documentary, The Man Who Loved Sherlock Holmes, and won Celebrity Mastermind on BBC by answering questions about Sherlock Holmes.

Many times, Stephen has expressed his admiration for Holmes.  He has spoken about how Holmes's analytical mind and moral stances make him an ever-important figure in British literature.  A celebrated author himself, Stephen appreciates Arthur Conan Doyle's storytelling abilities.  He's said that it was the Holmes stories that turned him on to the power of storytelling and writing.  Many times in interviews, his love of Holmes will come up in discussion, and Stephen's warmth for the stories are infectious.  So imagine that that warm baritone of his as you read this week's Interesting Interview with Stephen Fry!

How do you define the word “Sherlockian”? 

As a noun, one who follows with enthusiasm and dedication the personality and achievements of the great Baker Street detective 

How did you become a Sherlockian? 

By reading the stories from an early age and being entirely captivated by them, the writing and the characters who people them.

What is your profession and does that affect how you enjoy being a Sherlockian? 

I am an actor, writer, broadcaster - that sort of thing. Which in no way militates against a contented Sherlockian life.

What is your favorite canonical story? 

Hm. Some days it’s "The Speckled Band", on others it’s "The Blue Carbuncle". But how can I not find time for "The Red-Headed League" or "Silver Blaze"? 

Who is a specific Sherlockian that you think others would find interesting? 

Mark Gatiss, but you’ve probably thought of him. Gyles Brandreth. Ditto.

What subset of Sherlockiana really interests you? 

The cultures and subcultures that the canon revealed for the first time to a Victorian public. The mafia, the corrupt unions, the Pinkerton agency, the Mormons, the Ku Klux Klan. 

When you played Mycroft Holmes in A Game of Shadows, how did you prepare for the role and were you allowed to share any insight on your character that made it to the screen? 

Well, Sherlockians will accept that the Guy Richie Holmes films are far from canonical. Nonetheless I was happy to try to convey some of Mycroft’s calm indolence and faint annoyance at ever being stirred. Also, I hit on the idea that he might call his brother, in a languid way, “Shirley” (probably spelt in both their minds “Sherly”).

Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection is very highly regarded among Sherlockians.  Do you have any behind the scenes stories that we would appreciate? 

Other than to confirm the depth of diligent, affectionate and scrupulous scholarship that went into these maervellous editions. Navigating a fine line between playing “The Game” and real literary care.

What book would you recommend to other Sherlockians? 

The Seven-Per-Cent Solution by Nicholas Meyer is a fine example of how the canon has been taken over the last hundred years. This is now quite the genre on its own. The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, Enola Holmes of course, and many other offshoots from the parent tree are worth attending to. Maybe write one yourself!? Also, I’d recommend the Adrian Conan Doyle and John Dickson Carr “Exploit” stories, the further adventures that pick up from the canonical hints (Cardinal Tosca, James Phillimore, Wilson the notorious canary trainer, the Camberwell poisoning case etc.)

Where do you see Sherlockiana in 5 or 10 years from now? 

Ever stronger. When the primary coloured synthetic fabric caped crusaders pale and turn lame, Holmes in his cape of high-class tweed only stands taller and greater. Because of what he represents. Not alien magical abilities, not impossible superpowers, but a clear incisive mind, focus and concentration, an ability to mix inductive and deductive reasoning, to blend rationality with empirical sense. A benign world view, but not one that is soppily or self-righteously pious. And how wondrously human he remains all the while. In our world of science denial and woowoo nonsense, oh how we need him.