THEATRE REVIEW: Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B

THEATRE REVIEW: Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B

Written by Kate Hamill,
Directed by Sean Turner.  

 

The writer of this play, actor-playwright Kate Hamill, was one of the most-produced playwrights in America from 2017-2023, and tied for the honour of the most-produced playwright in America for 2024/25. From the adverts that have been popping up on my Facebook page, a large proportion of this has been professional and amateur US productions of this comedic play which describes itself as ‘reimagining Holmes and Watson as a fiercely funny, gloriously dysfunctional female duo navigating post-pandemic London with sharp wits and banter’. Having finally made its way over the Atlantic to the Arcola Theatre in Dalston, I booked a ticket. (Unfortunately, the performance that I had originally booked was cancelled due to cast sickness fifteen minutes before curtain up, so I had to return just under a week later).

Taking my seat in a half-full theatre, I was slightly concerned, having avoided all reviews, but following a rather contrived prologue (which in my view slightly took away the drama of Holmes’ first exit), I found myself thoroughly enjoying the first meeting between Sherlock and Joan (the latter’s ‘Doctor’ status being a point of discussion) in the Baker Street apartment. The first half was a reimagining of ‘A Study in Scarlet’ leading into ‘A Scandal in Bohemia’, with the arrival of Irene Adler (reinvented as a sex worker) to the apartment being the cue for the interval. The second half completed SCAN, before going its own way to a denouement, which was followed by a final scene that took us as the audience by surprise, having clapped at the blackout after the denouement.

Save a few times when Americanisms crept into a play allegedly set in London (even the title should probably be ‘- Flat 2B’), I enjoyed Hamill’s script. Lucy Farrett was wonderful as Holmes, with just the right amount of nervous energy and with strong support from Simona Brown as Watson. Alice Lucy was a vampish Irene (and a Scottish Mrs. Hudson) who sizzled in scenes with Farrett, and Tendai Humphrey Sitima made the best of some underwritten characters. The set was also very impressive, mainly as the apartment, but also as other locations, achieved by way of simple set dressing and lighting changes.

An enjoyable night out.

Dramatic Score: 9/10

Rating:  (4/5)