News Summary
Birmingham Rep Theatre will host the world premiere of ‘Sherlock Holmes and The 12 Days of Christmas,’ a new comedy play featuring original songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Running from November 14, 2025, to January 11, 2026, the production promises a unique blend of humor and mystery set in Victorian London. Written by acclaimed comedy writers, the play is suitable for all audiences, adding a festive twist to the classic Sherlock Holmes character.
Birmingham is set to host the world premiere of a new comedy play titled “Sherlock Holmes and The 12 Days of Christmas” at Birmingham Rep Theatre. This highly anticipated production will run from November 14, 2025, to January 11, 2026, and features original songs by acclaimed composers Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The play is written by renowned comedy writers Humphrey Ker and David Reed, who are known for their work with The Penny Dreadfuls. It promises a unique blend of sharp dialogue, inventive staging, and musical elements, making it a perfect fit for the holiday season. Suitable for audiences aged 10 to 110, this production will bring a new twist to the classic character of Sherlock Holmes.
Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, the storyline follows Sherlock Holmes as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths involving West End performers. Alongside his trusted companion Dr. Watson and rival detective Athena Faversham, Holmes must unravel the enigma that ties the victims to the festive theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas. The thrilling plot will have audiences on the edge of their seats as the trio races against time to solve the mystery.
The creative team is led by director Phillip Breen, with co-direction from Becky Hope-Palmer. Ker and Reed have described the show as their “biggest, daftest, and most riotous show yet,” highlighting their intent to create an enjoyable experience for all. Rice and Lloyd Webber have emphasized that the play embodies the essence of Christmas through its sense of “pure mischief.”
The announcement of this project was first made in March 2024, generating excitement and curiosity among theatre fans. The combination of comedy, mystery, and musical elements is designed to appeal to a broad audience, which has made the play one of the highly anticipated events in the Birmingham theatre scene.
In addition to the theatrical offerings, Birmingham will also host various entertainment events catering to diverse preferences. One such event is an interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show called “The Dinner Detective,” taking place at DoubleTree Birmingham on select dates—July 27, August 10, 24, September 7, and 14—from 6 PM to 9 PM. Tickets for this event are priced at $59+ and include a four-course dinner.
Moreover, Iron City will showcase local talent through the “Sound Sessions,” featuring different bands every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 8 PM. Other notable entertainment venues in Birmingham include the StarDome Comedy Club and various local restaurants, enhancing the overall cultural experience for both residents and visitors.
As the Birmingham Comedy Festival approaches, set to run from October 4 to 13, the city is buzzing with excitement. The festival will feature popular performers such as James Acaster and Josh Widdicombe, along with more than 80 performances that encompass stand-up, improv, and theatre. Additionally, free shows will be held on Sunday afternoons in the city center, inviting participation from the broader community.
For more information regarding “Sherlock Holmes and The 12 Days of Christmas” and details about ticketing for all events, interested parties can visit the Birmingham Rep Theatre’s official website.
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Additional Resources
- West End Theatre
- BBC Media Centre
- Bham Now
- Google Search: Sherlock Holmes theatre news
- Times of India
- Wikipedia: Andrew Lloyd Webber
