Interview: Nigel Miles-Thomas, Sherlock Holmes The Last Act

Ahead of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, we’re chatting with a range of creatives who will be heading to the city over August to find out more about their shows. Today we’re chatting with Nigel Miles-Thomas about their piece Sherlock Holmes The Last Act.

Can you tell us a bit about you and your career so far..

I’m celebrating 45 years of being an actor. It has enabled me to travel the world, play in The West End and appear in Dr Who. I was a founder member of The Cherub and Medieval Players theatre companies in the early 80's and I have worked in Steven Berkoff's Company. In 1991 I produced and directed the much talked about 'Cinderella in Los Angeles, starring the legendary Zsa Zsa Gabor. As a director and Performer, I have been a regular in Asia. I will be directing The Phantom Of the Opera in Madeira in 2025.

What is your show about?

Sherlock Holmes the Last Act sets the story set in 1917 and following Dr Watson's funeral, the great detective returns to Baker Street for one last visit and to reveal a shocking secret. The platform for the play written by Sherlock Holmes expert David Stuart Davies, unravels many of the great stories including The Hound Of the Baskervilles. I play all 14 characters in the play.

What was the inspiration for Sherlock Holmes the Last Act and what’s the development process been to get to this stage?

I have been told I was born to play Holmes. Working with the writer and director Gareth Armstrong, we pieced together the show. The process has been a year in the making and already I have played at The Hollywood, Adelaide and Prague Fringe Festivals. I have already been accepted by the vast Sherlock Holmes community and am looking forward to a National tour at the end of this year and through into 2025. I believe this will be a popular choice for theatre goers of all ages at The Assembly Rooms this August.

What made you want to take to the Fringe?

Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh. His inspiration for Sherlock Holmes came from his time at The Royal Infirmary in 1877. Joseph bell a surgeon in the hospital was noted for drawing broad conclusions from minute observations. I am delighted to be playing Sherlock at the fringe. So many connections to Edinburgh. 

Apart from seeing Sherlock Holmes the Last Act what’s your top tip for anybody heading for Edinburgh this summer?

I am really looking forward to 'Joni Mitchell Take Me As I Am' at Le Monde. Also the fantastic Oliver Harris who is returning to the Fringe with his incredible 'Elvis' show at Frankenstein's. He is also taking on 'Roy Orbison'. Also at Le Monde, Sarah Borges returns with her sell out Adele ad adds 'Acoustic Ga Ga' to her season.

Why should people book Sherlock Holmes the Last Act?

 The play is steeped in Conan Doyle, has received many 5 star reviews and is high class professional theatre ( even though I say it myself). he play will be an excellent introduction to new Sherlock followers and will provide a comprehensive portrayal to the already established and wide spread fans of Holmes across the UK and visitors from aboard. 

When and where can people see Sherlock Holmes the Last Act?

Sherlock Holmes The Last Act is playing in Assembly Rooms on George Street August 1-25