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In celebration of Sherlock Holmes Day on May 22, Birmingham Rep has announced a major theatrical event for the holiday season: the world premiere of Sherlock Holmes and the Twelve Days of Christmas, a new comedy whodunnit co-written by and starring Emmy winner Humphrey Ker and longtime collaborator David Reed.
The festive production will debut on November 14 and run through January 11, 2026. Adding extra sparkle to the show is an original score by none other than legendary musical theatre duo Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice—reuniting for another chapter in their iconic creative partnership, which has delivered hits like Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Set against the backdrop of a series of mysterious deaths among West End performers, the story finds Holmes uncovering curious clues linked to the classic carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The play will be directed by Phillip Breen with Becky Hope-Palmer.
Humphrey Ker, fresh off his Emmy win as executive producer of Welcome to Wrexham (where he also serves as the community director for the football club), will step into the iconic deerstalker as Sherlock Holmes. Known for his roles in NBC’s American Auto and Apple TV+’s Mythic Quest, Ker brings both gravitas and comedic flair to the legendary detective.
David Reed, who portrays Dr. Watson, is a seasoned performer with credits including Endeavour, Father Brown, and Ghosts. Reed has also built a reputation as a writer through radio comedies and the Audible Original series Zeroes.
Joining the cast are Margaret Cabourn-Smith as the no-nonsense Mrs. Hudson and comedian John Kearns as Inspector Lestrade.
“As diehard Sherlock Holmes fans, Dave and I are absolutely delighted to have tricked the Birmingham Rep into allowing us to write and star in a wildly silly Holmes and Watson adventure,” said Ker. “And to do it with such beloved friends and collaborators... is the stuff of dreams.”
Reed echoed the sentiment: “We’ve been obsessed with Holmes and Watson since we met on a stage in Edinburgh 20 years ago. To now get to play them in earnest is, quite honestly, a dream come true.”
With its winning mix of mystery, music, and comedy, Sherlock Holmes and the Twelve Days of Christmas promises to be a holiday highlight for theatre fans and Holmes devotees alike.
