Sherlock Holmes is back in his home place at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre from the 2nd May to the 6th June. This atmospheric theatre is a perfect backdrop for Conan Doyle’s favourite detective to come alive. And he does not disappoint. Horwood’s’ writing and Sean Holmes theatrical and high energy adaptation of Sherlock, captures the presence of this serendipitous sleuth as he and Watson unravel another mystery, under a damp lit moody sky of Victorian London.
The set appears simplistic in the round but don’t be fooled as there is so much going on.
The scene changes are rapid and unfolds in front of your eyes. This is a brisk moving story line and at times it was difficult to keep up with the switch in movement, characters and the unfolding plot. In some scenes the lines were delivered too quickly therefore lost. This has potential to leave audiences feeling like they are falling behind, if this not resolved.
Sherlock and Watson’s relationship is an intricate one. Cold at times with soft subtle and humorous banter and certainly one of humanity. Their relationship was beautifully crafted.
Sherlock Holmes played by actor Joshua James and Watson portrayed by Jyuddah Jaymes were perfectly matched and the chemistry engaging, they both gave a confident and intelligent performance. It can be tricky with Sherlock the audience need to be invested in the story otherwise it can be lost.
All the ensemble cast were superb and credit to the sound technicians Elena Pena and stage production teams all the lines could be perfectly heard and were clear, which can be a real challenge with outdoor performances and can happen quite often affecting the whole production. The music and sound effects build on the story adding suspense and surprise, what’s this rustling in the trees; using the surroundings of the Regents Park Open Theatre to its fullest potential.
The staging was impressive although the scene changes came and left quickly, they were smooth and impressive. There is a ‘lot going on’ in this production and it is questionable if this is too much.
I enjoyed Sherlock with the cast walking in movement on the revolving circular stage.
This added elements of intrigue, tension as he deliberates with cold logic the purpose of the crime, in true Conan Doyle style, amazing. The direction of this production keeps pace and the dialogue is exciting. Sherlock fans will appreciate the references and attention to detail. New fans could well be drawn in by these two characters. This outdoor performance requires audience members to check the weather and make sure they are dressed appropriately as the performance continues rain or shine.
Overall, this production feels fresh dynamic and unique in its delivery. A testament to the duo Horwood and Holmes’s creative ability to ‘mix it up’. An entertaining and well-crafted interpretation of the character Sherlock Holmes.
Director Sean Holmes
Writer Joel Horwood
Sound Designer Elena Pena
Set & Costume Designer Grace Smart
Starts at 7.45pm running time 2hrs 30 minutes including a 20-minute interval
Runs 2nd May – 6th June 2026
Booking link: https://openairtheatre.com/production/sherlock-holmes
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 13th May 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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