This year’s Christmas offering at the prestigious Birmingham Rep is a world premiere of Humphrey Ker and David Reed’s festive theatrical treat ‘Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas’.

The production combines musical theatre, comedy, pantomime and murder mystery to create a unique Christmassy whodunnit full of laughs, festive cheer and stagey jokes.

Ker and Reed’s book is witty, punchy and fast-paced, scattered with razor-sharp puns, innuendo and clever wordplay. The story follows Sherlock Holmes and his trusty aide Dr John Watson as they rush to solve murder cases related to ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice have written original music for the piece and, while it’s far from a musical, Rice’s lyrics are as witty as you’d expect and the recurring ‘Christmas Lights’ song is a beautiful, catchy highlight. 

Humphrey Ker, who plays the title role as well as writing the piece, is a strong Sherlock and he obviously has excellent chemistry with co-writer David Reed who plays Watson. Both performers show impeccable comic timing and are the engines of the show, keeping the action moving at a good pace throughout. Reed also delivers a beautiful ballad ‘Houses are not Holmes’ admirably in the second half. 

Notable mentions must also go to John Kearns as Inspector Lestrade and Susan Harrison as 10 year old Ernie, hysterically referenced as ‘a 45 year old woman playing a 10 year old boy’. Both squeeze as much comedy as they can from their roles and are a joy to watch. Cameron Johnson’s ‘Dame Arthur Stone’ is also a scene-stealer and shows great range and natural comedy. 

Mark Bailey’s design is truly outstanding with a glorious set and stunning costumes. The sound design was sadly a little less impressive with microphone levels seeming to be rather varied. 

While the ending is perhaps a little slow and over-explained, it’s a heart-warming and hilarious night at the theatre, both suspenseful and easy watching. A definite five gold rings, sorry, stars.

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