THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Sherlock Holmes' (Roman Theatre of Verulamium, St. Albans)

THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Sherlock Holmes’

Written & Directed by Mark O’Sullivan.

(Roman Theatre of Verulamium, St. Albans) 

 

 

 

To complete a trilogy of al-fresco Sherlock Holmes plays  (‘Sherlock Holmes’ at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre & ‘Sherlock Holmes vs. Arsene Lupin’ at Brighton Open Air Theatre), I made my way to the Roman Theatre of Verulamium, St. Albans where I had previously seen ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Lipstick, Ketchup and Blood' (a version of ‘A Study in Scarlet’) three years before.

This time, rather than being a visiting production, the production was the first play in the OVO Theatre Company’s 2026 Open Air Festival, and had been compiled by its director, Mark O’Sullivan, combining the narratives of ‘A Scandal in Bohemia’, ‘The Red-Headed League’, ‘The Devil’s Foot’, ‘The Man With The Twisted Lip’ and ‘The Final Problem’, into a play featuring four actors playing all the parts. Lachlan McCall and Anna Macleod Franklin played Holmes and Watson (as well as a couple of minor parts each), with Jessica Vickers and Max Gallagher playing all the others – including Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson, the King of Bohemia, John Clay, Mortimer Treggenis and (a personal highlight) Dr. Leon Sterndale. As with ‘SHvAL’ there was a lot of gender-blind casting with Vickers playing many men as well as ‘the Woman’ and Gallagher giving us his Mrs. Hudson.

The play was very funny, particularly in Act One when Watson and Mrs. Hudson are attempting to not reveal to the King that Holmes is incapacitated following substance misuse by recounting previous adventures. The small set which was on several levels was also expertly used, with costume changes seemingly happening instantaneously. It all led up to an ending, which although not unique (a famous pastiche, later filmed, has the same twist), had an emotional bite despite all the silliness that had gone before. Very, very good (and unlike the other two, the weather stayed warm).

 

Dramatic Score: 7/10    (Excellent - despite this)

 

Rating:  (5/5)     

 

Link to Production Website: Sherlock Holmes - OVO Roman Theatre Open Air Festival 2026