Birmingham Rep has revealed the full cast for the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas, a festive play-with-songs written by Humphrey Ker and David Reed, featuring original music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The production runs from 14 November 2025 to 18 January 2026, with a press night scheduled for 20 November.
Joining Ker and Reed in the roles of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are John Kearns (Taskmaster, Never Mind the Buzzcocks) as Lestrade and Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Motherland, Miranda) as Mrs Hudson.
The cast also includes Christian Andrews (Operation Mincemeat) as Fafner, Susan Harrison (Class Dismissed) as Ernie, Cameron Johnson (Guys and Dolls, Nativity) as Arthur Stone, Amanda Lindgren (Six) in the Chorus, Mia Overfield (Demon Dentist) in the Chorus, Andrew Pugsley (Showstopper!) as Wotan, Chomba S Taulo (The Book of Mormon) in the Chorus, Deborah Tracey (Matilda the Musical) as Queen Victoria, and Helena Wilson (The Hills of California) as Athena Faversham.
Humphrey Ker said:
“As the evenings grow longer and the days get colder, I’m extraordinarily excited to share this daft, Christmassy caper, toe-tapping new songs and tremendous cast with the fine people of Birmingham.”
David Reed added:
“We’ve assembled a dream cast of hilarious hoofers to bring this show to life. It’s been a long old road to get to this point. The fact we are now scant days away from the start of rehearsals and what was once only in our heads will soon be let loose into the world is frankly too exciting for words. Time to dust off the bowler hat, do one last futile sit-up and get to work.”
Directed by Phillip Breen with Becky Hope-Palmer, the creative team includes Mark Bailey (Designer), Anna Watson (Lighting Designer), John Rigby (Musical Supervision), Christopher Mundy (Musical Direction), Georgina Lamb (Movement), Renny Krupinksi (Fights), Chris Fisher and Will Houston (Illusions), and Helena Palmer (Casting).
Set in Victorian London, the story follows Sherlock Holmes as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths linked to the Twelve Days of Christmas. With time running out, Holmes must save French Hens, find Gold Rings, and rescue Mother Goose before it’s too late.
A laugh-out-loud festive murder mystery for all the family, Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas promises mischief, mayhem, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
