Review: SHERLOCK HOLMES, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Photo credit: Tristram Kenton
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s new production of Sherlock Holmes brings Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective into the open air with all the mystery, spectacle and atmosphere audiences would hope for from a Holmes adventure. Written by Joel Horwood and directed by Sean Holmes, the production follows Sherlock and Watson as a mysterious woman and a dangerous jewel pull them into another increasingly deadly investigation through Victorian London.
The production leans heavily into the classic Sherlock Holmes style, delivering all the familiar elements audiences expect - cryptic clues, dramatic reveals and shadowy characters with questionable motives. While this creates an enjoyable and recognisable detective story, some of the twists are fairly predictable, particularly for anyone familiar with traditional Holmes mysteries. There are also moments where the show tips slightly too far into melodrama, with certain scenes feeling more exaggerated than genuinely tense.
What truly elevates the production is the staging. The set design is excellent, with a purpose-built proscenium arch cleverly created within the open-air venue. It allows the production to retain the feeling of a traditional Victorian mystery while still making full use of the outdoor setting. Combined with the revolving stage, scene changes flow smoothly and efficiently without disrupting the pace of the story.
The direction makes ambitious use of the entire theatre space, including entrances and action around the audience, helping to increase both the spectacle and scale of the evening. Some creative choices work better than others, however. The production opens with a contemporary dance section that feels rather random and is never really revisited later in the show, making it stand out more as an oddity than a meaningful addition. Similarly, the recurring escaped zoo animals wandering through scenes are an unusual touch. While they cleverly help disguise identities and movement around the stage, their appearances can feel slightly bizarre and disconnected from the rest of the production.
The outdoor setting itself works particularly well for the show. While the inevitable rain may not have been ideal, it unexpectedly added to the atmosphere rather than detracting from it - though audiences should definitely come prepared. The natural surroundings of Regent’s Park become part of the experience, from the rustling trees adding an eerie backdrop to the growing darkness of the second half helping create genuine tension and conceal some of the production’s mechanics. It is difficult not to wonder whether some of that atmosphere and mystery would be reduced during a daytime matinee performance.
Joshua James makes for a convincing Sherlock, balancing intelligence and arrogance without losing the character’s sharp humour, while Jyuddah Jaymes provides a grounded and likeable Watson. Together, they create a strong central partnership that anchors the increasingly chaotic investigation around them.
Sherlock Holmes is an entertaining and visually inventive production that makes strong use of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s unique setting. While some creative choices feel overindulgent and the mystery itself is not especially surprising, the immersive staging and atmospheric environment ensure it remains an enjoyable evening that captures much of the spirit audiences want from a Sherlock Holmes story.
Mystery, mist and murder under the stars.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Frances Tate
Sherlock Holmes plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 6 June, with tickets available here.