Watson's Rehearsal Journal #1

My dear readers,

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Doctor John Watson, friend, confidant and biographer to the great Sherlock Holmes.

Holmes and I have found ourselves entangled in a mystery most theatrical: Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas, and are being swept into a world of murder, mayhem, and… well, Christmas pudding.

As rehearsals begin, our cast is assembling like clues at a crime scene — each more delightful (and dramatic) than the last.

Of course Holmes is already deducing his lines with frightening precision, while I’m just trying to keep track of whether we’re on lords-a-leaping or geese-a-laying.

Each week, I’ll be documenting our progress, peculiarities, and backstage antics as we prepare to solve the most festive mystery of all. Stay tuned — it’s bound to be a holly jolly whodunnit!

Here are my deductions of the week:

The week began, as all promising endeavours should, with a physical read-through—though I use the term read somewhat loosely. From the outset, we were not content to sit and recite. Instead, the script was swiftly lifted from the page and brought to life on its feet.

Much like Holmes surveying a scene for its hidden patterns, we began to discern the structure of each sequence—the rhythm, the shape, the connective tissue. In short, the case is beginning to take form.

We spent some time investigating the songs – their harmonies, melodies and the most intricate musical acrobatics, which against my better judgement was quite a good deal of fun, I wouldn’t dare imagine how the audience will react when I already find myself grinning ear to ear!

The opportunity arose to tour the performance space — a most atmospheric auditorium. The reality of it all is beginning to set in, along with a palpable sense of excitement (even Holmes raised an eyebrow — high praise indeed).

Until next week, keep your deerstalkers close and your true loves closer. The game’s afoot — and it’s wearing jingle bells.

Yours,
Dr. John H. Watson (currently under suspicion for misplacing three French hens)

P.S. If this has inspired you to come along and see our festive whodunnit – book your tickets here