Joshua Jackson delivers a wonderfully eccentric performance as the Great Detective in Joel Horwood's new play, Sherlock Holmes, now playing at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Directed by Sean Holmes, this production offers a thrilling blend of classic Victorian mystery and contemporary post-colonial commentary.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Character
Horwood's script gives fans everything they could want: the catchphrases, the brilliant deductions, and a nod to the modern interpretation of Holmes as an autistic savant, but amplified to theatrical extremes. The story begins with Holmes and Watson, played by Jyuddah Jaymes, having recently solved the sensational 'Study in Scarlet' case. However, Holmes is too unconventional to settle into a routine detective career. He is seen learning to box with little success while Watson tries to entice him with mundane cases, all dismissed as 'boring.'
The Case of the Mysterious Gemstones
Their new case arrives in the form of Mary, a young mixed-race woman portrayed by Nadi Kemp-Sayfi, who receives an annual delivery of priceless gemstones from an unknown source. Horwood weaves an intricate plot that pays homage to Conan Doyle's complex narratives while introducing a thoughtful exploration of empire. The play delves into the strange connection between foggy Victorian London and the wider world it dominated, with Holmes's brother Mycroft (Patrick Warner) embodying imperial power as a confidence trick rather than military force.
Direction and Design
Sean Holmes's direction is superb, balancing a meaty, satisfying romp with enjoyably weird elements. Designer Grace Smart conjures a sumptuous, hyperreal Victorian aesthetic, highlighted by Holmes's dazzling sky-blue silk costume. The production also features surreal touches, such as actors wearing animal heads, which add an eerie, dreamlike quality.
Outstanding Performances
The leads are excellent. Jackson's Holmes is a frail but intense figure, a dazzling mind threatened by existential boredom, turning to opium for relief. His deductions fire out like Roman candles. Jaymes's Watson is the genial counterpart, with a plaintive vulnerability that clashes with Holmes's cynicism. Their dynamic is a great double act, with Watson's flattering write-up of the Study in Scarlet annoying Holmes.
Minor Flaws, Major Impact
While the plot occasionally feels overstuffed with twists, the sharp writing, superb performances, and Holmes's direction make this a rare play that leaves you wanting a sequel. Running 2 hours 30 minutes, tickets range from £15 to £65. Performances run from May 14 to June 6, 2026, at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.
