Sherlock Holmes and The Thief of Antiquity: A Blue Apple Theatre Triumph
Blue Apple Theatre’s innovative production, Sherlock Holmes and the Thief of Antiquity, captivated audiences at Theatre Royal Winchester in June 2025 with its accessible, interactive, and joyfully inclusive approach to the classic detective story. Devised collaboratively by Artistic Director Richard Conlon and Blue Apple’s learning-disabled cast, the show blended Victorian intrigue with a lively Greek chorus and invited the audience to help Holmes and Watson solve riddles and outwit the villainous Moriarty.
Reviewer feedback was glowing. Elaine Chapman from Theatre and Art Reviews gave the show four stars saying: “I have watched many of the performers over the years take on a variety of roles. My biggest observation is how as a group they have grown in confidence. ...I have watched some of the actors start from walking onto the stage in previous years and just being part of the group to now speaking a few lines without too much prompting. ...Each and every one played their role and brought the Sherlock Holmes story to life. These actors deserve to be very proud of themselves.”
Audience members echoed these sentiments, calling the performance “funny,” “entertaining,” “inspiring,” “enjoyable, “brilliant,” “thought-provoking,” “joyful,” “professional,” “high quality” and “uplifting.” Many highlighted the “confidence and skill” of the cast, and one attendee remarked, “The performers were so professional and slick – they also looked like they were really enjoying themselves. The individual growth in confidence from show to show in some of your performers is really striking.”
The accessible features, including live captioning, a visual story, and a touch tour, were also highly valued and ensured everyone could enjoy the experience. The livestream provided a valuable option to those unable to attend the theatre in person, either due to distance or ill-health with one audience member taking to social media to comment: “Really enjoyed the show tonight via livestream. Massive congratulations to everyone involved.”
In feedback audience members rated the show very highly on enjoyment and quality, awarding over 4.8 out of 5. And 100% of the audience respondents said they would come and watch another Blue Apple Theatre performance. One audience member posted on social media: “Really enjoyed the show on Thursday afternoon. What a fantastic cast! Looking forward to the next one.”
A scene from Sherlock Holmes and The Thief of Antiquity; Photo by Mike Hall
Blue Apple’s Sherlock Holmes: Changing Perceptions, One Performance at a Time
Sherlock Holmes and the Thief of Antiquity stands as a testament to Blue Apple Theatre’s mission to empower learning-disabled performers and create high-quality, inclusive theatre that resonates with audiences and critics alike.
Staging productions in professional theatres with outstanding production values—including expert lighting, set design, costumes, audio-visuals, and artistic direction—not only showcases our performers at their very best, but also represents a vital investment in their talent and visibility. By presenting work of the highest quality, we challenge perceptions, celebrate the abilities of learning-disabled people, and encourage greater inclusion and respect within our communities.
Blue Apple’s Sherlock and The Thief of Antiquity was made possible through financial support from individual donations that were then match funded through Big Give Arts for Impact and NPAC (New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture), Hampshire County Councillor Grants and Charlotte Bonham-Carter Charitable Trust.
More detailed feedback and a gallery of photographs taken by Mike Hall is available at: https://blueappletheatre.com/sherlock-holmes-and-the-thief-of-antiquity
