one4review | On 17, Aug 2026

There is something particularly appropriate about seeing Sherlock Holmes: The Death and Life performed at the Arthur Conan Doyle Centre itself. The performance takes place in a beautiful room in the West End’s Victorian building, and the setting has the feel of an old-fashioned house party. It is easy to imagine Conan Doyle himself entertaining guests in similar surroundings.

David Stuart Davies’s play explores the curious relationship between Conan Doyle and his most famous creation. The editor of The Strand Magazine is desperate for another boost in circulation after the latest Holmes serialisation, while Doyle has become thoroughly fed up with his detective and is determined to put an end to what he regards as increasingly silly detective stories.

Holmes, meanwhile, is suffering from a shortage of cases and feels that even Watson has lost interest in him. The solution arrives in the form of Professor James Moriarty, conceived by Doyle as the ultimate adversary for his detective. We know, of course, where this is heading: the plan is to have Holmes and Moriarty plunge to their deaths together in The Final Problem.

Nigel Miles-Thomas is excellent in the demanding one-man role, effortlessly switching between Doyle, Holmes, Watson, Lestrade, the editor of The Strand and several other characters. The changes are clear and unforced, and he gives each character enough individuality to keep the story easy to follow.

The result is an affectionate and witty piece of Sherlockian theatre that plays cleverly with the real relationship between author and creation. Miles-Thomas is captivating throughout and holds the audience’s attention with apparent ease.

A full house responded with rapturous applause at the end, and deservedly so. An entertaining, imaginative production and a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend an hour. I’d certainly recommend catching it.

****

Reviewed by Howard

The Helen Duncan Room at Arthur Conan Doyle Centre

Until 29th August (not 14th or 24th)