Sherlock Holmes
On paper it’s the perfect show in the perfect setting: a new Sherlock Holmes play, performed only stone’s throw away from the famous 221b Baker Street location of the original morbid detective. Indeed, reading the program, which contains the designer’s ideas of framing the action withing the pros arch of a Victorian theatre, it all makes sense. However, on a very cold and wet May evening I find myself wondering why here and why now? To me, it’s a mystery.
The ‘why’ of the plot is not a mystery. Although, being set in post-colonial times it does feel dated from the off, it’s relatively simple to follow but it’s hardly captivating. Joshua James’ Sherlock is younger than many I’ve seen and somewhat more irritating. Indeed, if we’d been rained off I don’t think I would have rushed back to find out “whodunnit”! There is little mystery in the casting with some really good performances from the actors, especially Jyuddah Jaymes (Dr Watson) and Andre Antonio (Pockets).
There are some questionable directorial choices such as (SPOILER ALERT! why play a whole scene behind the audience?) The dramatic fall was too predictable, and the hot air ballon failed to be believable.
There are some positives: the score /musical scape by composer Jherek Bischoff is good, adding to the story whilst being unobtrusive. The many scene changes are rapid and don’t get in the way of the story.
So, I deduce the cast is good, the story dated, and the location adds nothing.
The mystery for me, then, is the fundamental question of why is Regent’s park doing this production, at this time? The location adds nothing apart from some weak reference in the script to the zoo and the park itself. The open-air setting adds nothing to the production other than a few shaking branches and seeing everybody’s cold breath in the fog scenes. The creation of a pros arch, all be it on a revolve seems random and not followed through with some cast acting as crew in costume and some crew not. The pseudo-Victorian / post-colonial setting adds little and since it’s been proven in many other ways (not least of all the 2010-17 TV series) that the Sherlock can be modernized and made to be much more interesting, it’s another mystery to me.
As I leave the theatre there is a lack of the usual post show buzz. Maybe because it was cold, maybe because others are leaving with questions – it’s another mystery.
I’m not saying don’t go. I’d love to hear what you think I’ve missed, but on this occasion this one is not for me.
This show was reviewed on the 13th May 2026 at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London where it runs until the 6th June 2026. Tickets available here : Sherlock Holmes | Open Air Theatre
Review written by Paul Wood
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Tristram Kenton
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show