We take a look at what is being said about Joel Horwood’s show and new case for the legendary detective.
The Guardian: **** “Joshua James’s perky, petulant Sherlock has some of the canonical props, including pipe and drug apparatus, but passionately embraces theories about the detective’s sexuality and neurodiversity with which earlier performers have only flirted. As Horwood foregrounds Holmes’s deductive outbursts – “That mud on your shoe is only found at the courthouse!” – there are torrents of ratiocination that James delivers with admirable clarity. Jyuddah Jaymes engagingly seizes the opportunities given by a Watson whose agency and braininess have been expanded from his Conan Doyle role of out-thought secretary.”
London Theatre.co.uk: ** “As our guide through the mayhem, Jyuddah Jaymes is a dapper Dr Watson in his natty suit (co-costume designers Smart and Lisa Aitken do a good job showing just how colourful the fashions of Victorian Britain were). Joshua James’s Holmes, dressed in sky blue, is arrogant, athletic, and hopelessly drug dependent. In the quieter moments, James and Jaymes effectively convey the pair’s complicated bromance. The supporting actors struggle to distinguish themselves as their roles are wafer thin, and the multi-roleing is more confusing than clever.”
Theatre & Tonic: ***** “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.”
Time Out: **** “They’re a great, great double act. There are some faults here, not least the fact that there are moments where Horwood’s plot is so overstuffed with twists and turns that it can feel a bit like he’s just jangling keys at us. But for the most part the writing is sharp, the leads are superb, and Holmes’ direction gives the whole thing an engaging extra layer of weirdness. It’s a rare play of which I can confidently say that I’d love to see a sequel.”
Theatre Weekly: ***** “Until the very last moment, the audience remains immersed in the world of the characters, and when the curtain finally falls, it leaves you wanting just a little more. That has always been the strange beauty of Sherlock Holmes stories. For those who love Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective, Sherlock Holmes production at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre offers a version that feels respectful to both the original canon and the many reinterpretations that followed.”
British Theatre Guide: “I’d love to see it on a warm, balmy night, in a perfect early summer setting, but tonight’s unusual weather somehow adds to the conditions that must be overcome, and overcome they are. I don’t expect to enjoy it as much as I do. So all praise to the large cast and the movers and shakers behind the scenes for getting through it on such a night. Not a bad start (bar the weather—but here’s proof we can weather the weather whether we like it or not…) to the Open Air Theatre season.”
WhatsOnStage: *** “The constant clarification of theme is over-emphatic, but the production is magnificently brought to life and quite literally framed by Grace Smart’s design which sets a broken gilded proscenium arch across a revolving stage, surrounded in the encroaching darkness beyond by odd bits of Victorian furniture and the rustling foliage of the Regent’s Park trees.”
The Stage: *** “Hectic adventure by Joel Horwood and directed by Sean Holmes pits the world-famous detective, played by Joshua James, against colonialist attitudes and moral hypocrisy.”
The Reviews Hub: **** “Sean Holmes makes full use of the revolving stage and directs at a ferocious pace; one feels it could not be otherwise with so much story to get through. Neatly choreographed dance segments top and tail the evening. When not performing, the actors watch unfolding events from the rear of the stage, adding to the evening’s meta tone. This is not exactly new Sherlock Holmes, but there is originality here aplenty in an evening that looks and sounds tremendous.”
The Standard: ** “I usually like Joshua James’s acting but here his characterisation is relentlessly shouty and offputtingly bratty. Jyuddah Jaymes’s performance is agreeable but his Watson is often left marking time or covering up gaps in the narrative. As his love-interest Mary, Nadi Kemp-Sayfi relies on leaden emphasis and knowing side-eye. But all the performers here are strangers to subtlety.”
All That Dazzles: ** “Though the cast in Sherlock Holmes are an undoubtedly talented group, their talents seem to have been squandered here through questionable choices and direction that sabotaged their potential.”
Everything Theatre: ** “There is some fun to be had in this energetic production, but it can’t make up for lazy writing and plotting. One for the Holmes fans? Not if you value the originals.”
The Telegraph: ** “Despite terrific design and committed performances, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s Conan Doyle adaptation makes some elementary mistakes.”
The Spy in the Stalls: **** “There is an irreverence to this interpretation of Conan Doyle’s detective stories, but embedded deep down somewhere, when you find it, there is respect too. We have been led into London’s underworld, but also into Alice’s Wonderland. It is complex and baffling and very silly; but intelligent and supremely clever too. Revolution and rebellion are often messy. “Sherlock Holmes”, in the open air, is a revelation – if not quite a revolution. Messy and rebellious, it is a theatrical extravaganza. And that, “however improbable, must be the truth”.”
Theatre South East: *** “While the mystery itself may not fully grip every audience member, strong performances and interesting use of the outdoor space make it an enjoyable theatrical experience.”
West End Best Friend: *** “Sherlock Holmes is an entertaining and visually inventive production that makes strong use of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s unique setting. While some creative choices feel overindulgent and the mystery itself is not especially surprising, the immersive staging and atmospheric environment ensure it remains an enjoyable evening that captures much of the spirit audiences want from a Sherlock Holmes story.”
London Theatre 1: ***** “Beautifully realistic with all the eccentricities that Sherlock is. A real must-see show taking you on a journey of mystery and intrigue with the magic of Theatre.”
London Unattached: “The set works well with the framework of a theatre stage, emblazoned at its centre with a coat of arms, and a revolving stage. An element of surprise is the pistol shot towards the end, which makes the audience turn in their seats. Fire eaters and animals introduced into the play at times make it rather difficult to follow, but the totally unexpected twist in the plot at the end completely redeems the production.”
Sherlock Holmes continues to play at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until the 6th June.