Sherlock Holmes and the
12 Days of Christmas
What could possibly say Christmas more than A Partridge in a Pear Tree. A Panto Dame. Sherlock Holmes. A few dad jokes and a little bit of double entendre thrown in for good measure. The simple answer is Birmingham Rep’s newest production, Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas!
Set in the time of Queen Victoria’s rein, Christmas in London’s West End is a busy time of year, throw in a few murdered actors and it all becomes a bit of a mess. In this situation there is only one person who can solve the crime and catch a serial killer in the act (see what we did there!)
Time is ticking as Holmes races to save the day, putting himself in danger. In steps Athena Faversham, a rival hotshot detective and Holmes’ trusty sidekick Dr Watson, but will they combine their wits to save Holmes from the killer’s evil clutches?
The set and costume design, by Mark Bailey, are full of vibrant colours and glorious detail and set the scene perfectly for this Victorian tale. Philip Breen’s (with Becky Hope-Palmer) direction and Georgina Lamb’s choreography keep the story at the right pace, combining the quick wit and clever word play of Humphrey Ker and David Reed’s writing.
Both Ker and Reed, as Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson respectively, are ideal in these roles. Their on-stage relationship is perfectly matched, and both of their performances are naturally entertaining.
Margaret Cabourn-Smith as Mrs Hudson is extremely well cast in this hilarious portrayal and has the audience laughing uncontrollably before she has even spoken her first lines, such is the brilliant nature of her performance.
Susan Harrison as Ernie, is another distinguished role within the piece and Harrison plays the street urchin who acts as Holmes informant wonderfully.
Helena Wilson as Athena Faversham and John Kearns as Inspector Lestrade both have some equally great moments, in what is an extraordinarily talented cast all round.
The original songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber add even more comedy to a piece that already has the audience in stitches. Overall, this production has everything you could ask for, and more. Great performances, a brilliant and very, very funny script, some dazzling musical numbers, the essence of pantomime with an entertaining ‘who dunnit’ storyline and is the perfect alternate theatre treat this festive period.
We cannot recommend it more; in fact, we cannot wait to see it again!
This show was reviewed on the 22nd November at Birmingham REP where it runs until the 18th January 2026. Tickets available here : Sherlock Holmes | Birmingham Rep
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
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Photo credit: Pete Le May
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