About

Holmes Fest is back for 2024, to celebrate the life and times in Portsmouth of Arthur Conan Doyle and his greatest creation, Sherlock Holmes.

The event comprises a host of performances at the Groundlings Theatre. A host of local performers will contribute – including Mark Wingett, star of long-running cop drama The Bill, plus Quadrophenia and Eastenders.

Mark plays fictional Victorian actor Sir Algernon Blenkinsop-Carver – for whom things don’t go to plan, leading to some hilarious comedy mix-ups! Expect sketches, comedy songs and stories that celebrate the many different aspects of Arthur Conan Doyle’s writing.

Holmes Fest 2024 also features original creations by Portsmouth creatives – and even includes the specially-penned Holmes Fest Anthem – written by the comedy music hall duo played Matt Parsons and Janet Ayers, aka Hudson and Lestrade.

Local author Christine Lawrence plays Mrs Hudson, who reveals the “truth” about life with Sherlock. Poet Jackson Davies portrays Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as a gentleman rapper.

With further sketches by established Portsmouth actors Vin Adams, Nick Downes and David Penrose, and The Gosport Steampunk Society's eccentric account of a deadly duel, the show will certainly be fab fun.

What's more, if you decide to enter more fully into the spirit of the show then remember - there’s a prize for the best-dressed Victorian. And who knows, maybe there’ll be a guest appearance by none other than Sherlock Holmes himself!

Drinks are available at the bar and there will be a twenty minute interval.