REVIEW: Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas

© Birmingham Rep

A brand new comedy play featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice premiers in Birmingham in time for the festive season.

Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas in now playing at the Birmingham Rep.

Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, was living and working as a chemist in the Aston area of Birmingham when he first picked up his pen and started writing stories, and its right here in the heart of Birmingham city centre where a musical play based on Doyle’s famous detective is unveiled and receives its world premiere.

The new show is penned by Edinburgh Fringe alumni The Penny Dreadfuls. David Reed and Humphrey Ker provide the comedy elements of the play while the music is by none other than West End musical legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice whose list of record-breaking shows is too long to list here.

You know the songs are good when the audience leave the show humming the tunes as they step out of the Birmingham Rep and head home on a chilly and frosty night.

The plot of this new show centres around Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigating mysterious deaths in the West End which are somehow linked to The 12 Days of Christmas.

The writers of the show also star in this sensational looking production. Humphrey Ker sinks his comedy teeth into Sherlock Holmes while David Reed is a valiant Dr. Watson. However, some of the cast and crew seem a bit too eager in their roles and their performances come across as forced and melodramatic.

The show boasts some terrific and spectacular designs by Mark Bailey which evoke Victorian London at the turn of the 19^th century. The interior of 221B Baker Street, the abode of Holmes and Watson, is absolutely stunning. The gorgeous and atmospheric lighting by Anna Watson adds texture and details to the world building in this show.

The concept of this mischievous show is commendable: to showcase some festive fun that hearkens to Dickensian delights peppered with some sparkling comedy.

However, despite the concept being inspired and witty in places, there is too much slapstick and surreal humour jostling to be heard above the cacophony of a pantomime and music hall vibes which instead of being immersive ends up looking a little disjointed in places. The show tries to appeal to a too wide age range which results in reducing the overall impact.

What the show does best is place emphasis on fun, froth and laughter and evoke memories of Christmas and childhood. This show has the potential to become a permanent fixture at theatres around the country during the festive season.  

Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas is a riotous comedy packed with charming melodies.  

Verdict: ★★★

Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas is now running at the Birmingham Rep until Sunday 18^th January.