New Sherlock Play Twists Canon in Open Air

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in London is hosting a new Sherlock Holmes play, penned by Joel Horwood. This production offers a fresh take on the detective's adventures, drawing inspiration from Arthur Conan Doyle's "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Sign of the Four." The play centers on the conceit that Dr. Watson is a rather unreliable narrator, including details like jewels from a Mughal treasure box while omitting or altering others, such as the true persona of Holmes.

Further diverging from the established canon, the script incorporates elements from later stories, like stolen government secrets, and presents contemporary interpretations of Holmes. Actor Joshua James portrays a Sherlock embracing theories on sexuality and neurodiversity, delivering rapid-fire deductions with clarity. Jyuddah Jaymes reimagines Watson with expanded agency and intelligence, seizing opportunities to be more than just Holmes's secretary.

The outdoor setting allows for playful nods to nearby attractions like the London Zoo and Regent's Canal. Despite challenging weather conditions, including cold and dampness, the production manages to both tease and seriously engage with the beloved Sherlock Holmes franchise, much like a previous adaptation at Birmingham Rep.