Fans of legendary musical theatre duo Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber have reason to celebrate this festive season, though their long-awaited major reunion remains elusive. The pair have collaborated on a new production, Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas, currently running at Birmingham Rep until January 18.
A Family Affair Production
The show emerged from rather personal connections rather than a formal professional reunion. Humphrey Ker, the production's co-creator, happens to be the brother-in-law of Tim Rice's daughter-in-law. This family link prompted Rice to contribute lyrics, and he subsequently invited Andrew Lloyd Webber to compose the music.
Ker, who has connections in surprising places including facilitating Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's purchase of Wrexham AFC, co-wrote and stars in the production alongside David Reed. Both are members of comic troupe The Penny Dreadfuls, known for their Victorian-era spoofs.
The Christmas Mystery Unfolds
The musical presents a comedic mystery where Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson investigate a series of murders targeting West End performers during their shows. Holmes deduces the killings follow the pattern of the traditional song The 12 Days of Christmas, creating a race against time to save pantomime dame Arthur Stone, portrayed by scene-stealing Cameron Johnson.
Adding to Holmes's challenges is the arrival of Athena Faversham, played by Helena Wilson, a consulting detective who matches Holmes's intellect while bringing her own distinctive style - including using a hookah rather than a traditional pipe for contemplation.
Musical Verdict and Production Details
While the show delivers plenty of festive fun with regular fourth-wall breaking and anachronistic humour, the musical contributions from Rice and Lloyd Webber feel somewhat disconnected from the overall production. The eight songs, including one reworked from Lloyd Webber's Variations album, neither advance the narrative nor prove particularly memorable.
One notable exception is Houses Are Not Holmes, a strings-heavy solo ballad where Dr Watson expresses his affection for the detective, which provides a touching moment amidst the comedy.
The production, directed by Phillip Breen and Becky Hope-Palmer, could benefit from sharper pacing and focus according to observations from the final preview. Nevertheless, the show runs with genuine heart and offers substantial entertainment value, particularly for completists eager to experience any collaboration between Rice and Lloyd Webber, however casual its origins.
Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas continues its run at Birmingham Rep until January 18, providing a festive alternative to traditional pantomimes with its unique blend of mystery, comedy and musical theatre.
