Birmingham Rep has announced the full cast for the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas, a brand-new play-with-songs written by Humphrey Ker and David Reed, with original music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The festive production runs from 14 November 2025 to 18 January 2026, with a press night on 20 November.

Joining the already announced Humphrey Ker and David Reed as Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are John Kearns (Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Taskmaster) as Lestrade and Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Motherland, Miranda) as Mrs Hudson. They will be joined by Christian Andrews (Operation Mincemeat) as Fafner, Susan Harrison (Class Dismissed) as Ernie, Cameron Johnson (Guys and Dolls, Bridge Theatre) as Arthur Stone, Andrew Pugsley (Showstopper: The Improvised Musical) as Wotan, Deborah Tracey (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, RSC’s Matilda) as Queen Victoria, and Helena Wilson (The Hills of California) as Athena Faversham. The company also features Amanda Lindgren, Mia Overfield, Chomba S Taulo and a talented ensemble.

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. The fact we are now scant days away from rehearsals and what was once only in our heads will soon be let loose into the world is frankly too exciting for words.”

Directed by Phillip Breen (Anna Karenina, Chichester; The Comedy of Errors, RSC) with Becky Hope-Palmer, the creative team also includes Mark Bailey (designer), Anna Watson (lighting), John Rigby (musical supervision), Christopher Mundy (musical direction), Georgina Lamb (movement), Renny Krupinski (fights), Chris Fisher and Will Houston (illusions), and Helena Palmer (casting).

Set in Victorian London, this laugh-out-loud festive mystery sees Sherlock Holmes uncover a deadly connection between a spate of mysterious onstage deaths and The Twelve Days of Christmas. Racing against time to save French Hens, find Gold Rings and rescue Mother Goose, Holmes faces his most festive and dangerous case yet.

A Birmingham Rep production, originated and developed by Donald Rice and Eva Rice for Heartaches Limited, Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas promises mischief, mayhem and a partridge in a pear tree – perfect for ages 10 to 110.

For tickets and more information, visit: www.birmingham-rep.co.uk