A Sherlock Carol at Marylebone Theatre

The spirit(s) of Christmas is delightfully captured in Mark Shanahan’s play, bringing together two of the most cherished figures of English literature. Marylebone Theatre (the aptest venue in London for such a script, given its proximity to the notorious 221b Baker Street) hosts A Sherlock Carol for the festive season. The eponymous hero par excellence of the investigative stories, Sherlock Holmes, and the quintessential symbol of Yuletide magic, Ebenezer Scrooge, meet on stage for a Christmas caper packed with mirth and life lessons.

On Christmas Eve, after an argument with best friend Dr Watson (Richard James), Sherlock Holmes (Ben Caplan), still shocked and shaken by the death of Moriarty, is engaged by a grownup Tiny Tim (Damian Lynch) for an investigation. The subject is Scrooge (Kammy Darweish), who, since his conversion for the better, has been the benefactor of many. His unexplained passing is interlaced in the mystery of the disappearance of an invaluable blue diamond and a missing will.

In a story of ghosts, will the hyper-rational Sherlock be persuaded of the existence of spirits? The appearance and intervention of shadows from the afterlife feature in the resolution of the case and in the conduct of the world-famous detective. The plot stirs together Holmes’s smart moves and the warm approach of Dickens’s classic. The narration in the third person (more substantial at the beginning) does alter the fictitious framing of the drama: the literary technique doesn’t translate smoothly to the stage.

Colourful costumes spectacularly ground the scenes in synchrony with the moveable background and the antiquated props. The coordination of the cast members is enthralling, as they feed energy to one another, leading the narrative as one. Richard James carries probably the most ridiculous roles with ease and infectious cheerfulness, with the antithetical characters played by Gemma Laurie. The changes are so rapid and, at the same time, so total and seamless that the six performers manage to stand for a cast double the size. Those moments when the evolution of the scenes is not quite as strong (such as in the third-person narration) are a pity, rendering the ambience less immersive. This happens to contrast with the reflections scattered throughout, which are not forced or corny for the occasion, but rather on-point. The balance of puns, whodunnit elements and vintage gloss makes for an enjoyable two-hour production.

Cristiana Ferrauti
Photo: Danny Kaan

A Sherlock Carol is at Marylebone Theatre from 18^th November until 7^th January 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.