Cast revealed for Sherlock Holmes comedy with songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice

Birmingham Rep has announced the casting for the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas – playing this festive season.

Running from 14 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, the new comedy whodunnit is written by Humphrey Ker and David Reed.

It will feature original songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose previous collaborations include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita.

Directed by Phillip Breen and Becky Hope-Palmer, the play is set in Victorian London during Christmas. In the West End, a series of performers die mid-scene, and Scotland Yard rules out foul play until Sherlock Holmes discovers a link to “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Holmes races against time to save French Hens, find Gold Rings, and rescue Mother Goose, facing mortal danger along the way. With the help of Dr Watson and detective Athena Faversham, Holmes aims to solve the mystery.

It has been revealed today that Ker and Reed will take on the roles of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson respectively, while joining the pair will be John Kearns as Inspector Lestrade and Margaret Cabourn-Smith. Further casting is to be set in due course. 

Additional members of the creative team are Mark Bailey (designer), Anna Watson (lighting designer), Georgina Lamb (movement), Renny Krupinksi (fights) and Helena Palmer (casting).

Ker said today: “As diehard Sherlock Holmes fans, Dave and I are absolutely delighted to have tricked the Birmingham Rep into allowing us to write and star in a wildly silly Holmes and Watson adventure. And to do it with such beloved friends and collaborators in Margaret, John, Tim, Andrew and directing superstar Phillip Breen is the stuff of dreams. Can’t wait to don the deerstalker and become Sherlock Holmes.”

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