Sherlock Holmes at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Review
Joshua James in Sherlock Holmes. Photo by Tristram Kenton
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Please note that this production of Sherlock Holmes contains themes of racism and colonialism, some scenes of violence and death. There are references to suicide, smoking, drugs and drug taking and some swearing.
The game is afoot for Sherlock Holmes once more at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Only a stone’s throw away from Sherlock Holmes famous stomping grounds and now his museum, what great mysteries will he uncover next?
Directed by Sean Holmes and written by Joel Hornwood, this new story is loosely based on The Sign of the Four and set in 1891. However, Hornwood has added plenty of fresh twists and turns, along with hilarious references to Regent’s Park. Without spoilers, this play draws on the gigantic myth of Sherlock Holmes and analyses his place in the heart of the Victorian Empire as a modern exploration of colonialism, racism, and classism. At times hilarious, other times profound, this play illustrates salient points about the British Empire. The majority of these points are excellently formed, but some trail off without resolution or further discussion, which can lead to moments of frustration for the audience. The plot is well balanced with plenty of investigation, mystery and action, with phenomenal sequences by Enric Ortuno. The audience is held completely captivated throughout, and there were times I gasped with sheer excitement and surprise. I especially enjoyed the array of circus tricks showcased. The play also focuses on the dynamic of Watson and Holmes and the influence of their relationship on their cases. At times, this works well, but the continual angst displayed made this a very strained presentation at odd times in the plot. The running time of an hour and ten minutes for each act also kept the story moving swiftly, with magnificent cliff hangers at the end of each act.
The cast was magnificent. Their chemistry together, especially the supporting cast in multiple roles, created a wonderful action atmosphere. Patrick Warner’s Mycroft and Thaddeus is nuanced and imposing. Benjamin Harold as Captain Morstan was suitably menacing and authoritative. Will Brown stole the show as Small, Lestrade and a variety of other characters and was incredible to watch on stage. Andre Antonio, Yuyu Rau, Paulo Guidi, Tamara Tare and Marcia Lecky were wonderful in their variety of roles. Theo Reece and Christopher Akrill stole the show in their roles and had me in fits of laughter. Rakhee Sharma was regal, menacing and deeply impressive in her variety of characters. Mervin Noronha was phenomenal to watch as the terrifying antagonist. Nadi Kemp- Sayfi was a phenomenal Mary Morstan, with an incredibly nuanced and stylish performance. Jyuddah Jaymes was a charismatic, adventurous Watson, and his chemistry with Joshua James’s Sherlock was fascinating. James’s Sherlock was brash, physical and shown to be incredibly broken with boxing, drug use and self-destructive tendencies. James played him with nuance and style and was impressive to watch on stage. I was also impressed by the cast’s fortitude in continuing the show even during the rainfall of the second act.
Grace Smart’s set design of a Victorian stage within a stage was a marvellously simple but vivid strength to this production, shifting effortlessly to support the various twists and turns of the story along with very impressive use of the space. It also further illustrated the story in a true magician's style of hiding and revealing characters in key moments. Ryan Day’s lighting design, in conjunction with Elena Peña’s sound design created sizzling tension and a thrilling setting in which the story whizzes along.
Overall this is a fantastic new imagining of Sherlock Holmes that truly brings the intrigue of the detective to brilliant life on stage. Although not perfect, the spirit of Holmes and the joy in exploring mysteries are polished as beautifully as any beloved titan character can be. If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes stories, are in the mood for a fantastic thriller or wish to see a wonderful cast on stage, then this is the show for you.
Sherlock Holmes plays at the Regents Open Air Park Theatre until 6th June 2026
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
