New Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber comedy set for festive debut at Birmingham Rep theatre.
Sherlock Holmes is taking on a case like no other this Christmas as Birmingham Rep Theatre plays host to the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes and The 12 Days of Christmas, a new comedy play featuring original songs by none other than Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The production runs from 14 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.
Written by acclaimed comedy writers Humphrey Ker (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Curb Your Enthusiasm) and David Reed (BBC Radio 4’s Guy Fawkes, Macbeth Rebothered), the play blends murder mystery, festive cheer, and musical theatre, creating a unique theatrical spectacle. Best known for their work with the award-winning comedy troupe The Penny Dreadfuls, Ker and Reed bring their signature wit to this inventive take on Sherlock Holmes.
Meanwhile, the legendary songwriting duo Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose previous collaborations include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita, have composed a brand-new score, adding a musical flourish to the detective’s latest caper. The news of their latest collaboration was first announced in March 2024.
Directed by Phillip Breen with Becky Hope-Palmer, the production promises an evening of sharp dialogue, inventive staging, and musical mayhem.
Set in Victorian London, the play sees a series of mysterious deaths befalling performers in the West End. Scotland Yard is baffled, but when Sherlock Holmes finds a connection between the victims and The Twelve Days of Christmas, it’s clear that foul play is afoot. With time running out, Holmes and his loyal companion Dr Watson, along with rival detective Athena Faversham, must race against the clock to uncover the truth.
Can they save the French Hens, recover the Gold Rings, and prevent another grisly on-stage demise? Or will this be Holmes’ final curtain call?
Ker and Reed describe the show as “our biggest, daftest, and most riotous show yet.” They add: “There’s nothing more festive than a theatrical whodunnit, and with new songs from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, we’re thrilled to bring Sherlock Holmes into the holiday season.”
The musical duo themselves said: “Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas is pure mischief. It has the exuberance of a Christmas tree, the joy of a panto, and a plot worthy of Conan Doyle.”
A laugh-out-loud festive murder mystery for all the family, Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas is suitable for audiences aged 10 to 110. a theatrical treat not to be missed.
More info: Sherlock Holmes and the Twelve Days of Christmas tickets
Venue: Birmingham Rep Theatre
Dates: 14 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
Alexandra Palace Theatre, London
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