Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 24th January 2026
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
5*****
Adapted by Nick Lane and produced by Blackeyed Theatre, this show is based on various works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, providing a new Sherlock Holmes mystery for everyone to get involved with.
The story is set in Victorian Britain and draws on the events and developments of that era, particularly espionage and world order. The scene is set at the beginning of the play, insinuating confusion and devastation, followed by a walk through the frantic ‘hunt for Moriarty’ that led to that point.
Watson provides familiarity and narrative, gradually drawing in the players that are key to the mystery that unfolds and adding in the essential formula that involves Sherlock Holmes. Together with Mrs Hudson, the housekeeper, the pair are swiftly engaged in supporting an urgent enquiry into a case of missing naval documents that leads to a trail of deaths and mysterious clues that Holmes deduces can only be the work of Moriarty himself. It soon becomes apparent that the race is not only on to find Moriarty but to get ahead of him, to prevent further devastation and political fallout.
The production itself is delivered by a small cast playing multiple roles, supporting set changes and moving swiftly from one scene to the next. This adds to the level of engagement with the entire plot and consequent commitment to solving the mystery.
The dynamic between Holmes, Watson and Mrs Hudson is enchanting, in that they have a shared commitment to solving the mystery laid out before them and a shared humour that breaks the tension. Mark Knightley, Ben Owora and Pippa Caddick have skilfully developed this dynamic, to a point that anyone would want to explore or revisit these characters in Doyle’s works.
The set design, swift scene changes and subtle lighting pull the audience in, creating an almost participatory experience. The whole production achieves a thrilling night out. If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan you will not feel short changed and if you are new to the scene, you’ll be curious to discover more.