A New Christmas Pairing

“There is nothing in this world as hard as poverty.” 

Ebeneezer Scrooge

 

Ben Caplan as Sherlock Holmes. (Photo: Steve Gregson)

It is a novel idea and works well to combine the legends of Sherlock Holmes with those of A Christmas Carol.  Holmes (Ben Caplan) has returned from the death of Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls and is approached by Dr Timothy Cratchit (Devesh Kishore) to investigate the death of his benefactor.  Dr Cratchit as a child was called “Tiny Tim” and his benefactor was Ebeneezer Scrooge.

We can see some of the similar character traits held by Holmes and the pre-reformation Scrooge: curmudgeonly, solitary, depressive and hating Christmas.  Holmes is also approached by Emma Wiggins (Louise Hoare) to help her father who has been accused of theft and is in prison.  The Wiggins family appear in some of the Sherlock Holmes stories.  The blue carbuncle, a large blue precious stone like a sapphire, features in one of Holmes’ short stories. 

Devesh Kishore as Dr Timothy Cratchit and Ben Caplan as Sherlock Holmes. (Photo: Steve Gregson)

There is a carol, “Hosannah in Excelsis” and two beautifully crinolined women frame the stage where Holmes tells us, “I wouldn’t wear a deerstalker hat if my life depended on it!”  Holmes lists his detailed observations of Dr Cratchit.  A loud bang heralds the upstairs window shutters being thrown back and in night cap and night clothes appears Ebeneezer Scrooge (Kammy Darweish) making me jump out of my seat. 

There is much discussion of spirits and Holmes sees apparitions of a man in top hat and dark cloak and wonders if they could be the ghost of Moriarty.  The deceased Scrooge murder investigation sees Inspector LeStrade (Louise Hoare), detective of incompetence involved.  During Holmes’ findings there is plenty to amuse and laugh at.

Richard James as Mildred Dilber, Scrooge's maid. (Photo: Steve Gregson)

The many literary references are probably a little complex for younger children but this is a perfect Christmas entertainment for adults, original and surprising postquel stories. Ben Caplan captures Holmes’s serious and thoughtful manner in Marylebone Theatre, just a few feet from 221B Baker Street where Holmes lived.  The rest of the cast work hard in multiple roles and Richard James excels as Dr Watson and as Mrs Mildred Dilber. 

This is the third time A Sherlock Carol has returned to Marylebone Theatre with author Mark Shanahan directing.  It is refreshingly different as a Christmas staging and is deservedly finding a younger audience.

Ben Caplan as Sherlock Holmes, Devesh Kishore as Dr Cratchit and Louise Hoare as Emma Wiggins (photo: Steve Gregson)

Production Notes

A Sherlock Holmes

Written and directed by Mark Shanahan

Cast

Starring:

Ben Caplan

Richard James

Devesh Kishore

Louise Hoare

Kammy Darweish

Rosie Armstrong

Hannah Parker

Henry Proffit

Creatives

Director:  Mark Shanahan

Set Designer: Anna Louizos

Sound Designer and Original Music:

John Gromada

Lighting Designer: Rui Rita

 

Information

Running Time: Two hours including an interval

Booking to 5th January 2024

Theatre: 

Marylebone Theatre

 
 

Website:

marylebonetheatre.com

Tube: Baker Street

Reviewed by

Lizzie Loveridge

at the

Marylebone Theatre

on 4th December 2024