Sherlock Holmes vs Arsène Lupin: A Drag Crime Caper

If you are looking for something a bit different in Brighton this May, there is a new production coming to town that mixes classic literary figures with a drag comedy format. The show is titled Sherlock Holmes vs Arsène Lupin: A Drag Crime Caper, and it centres on the premise of the famous English detective facing off against the French gentleman burglar. The plot follows Lupin as he crosses the Channel to challenge Holmes, with Dr. John Watson caught in the middle of their rivalry. It is being put on by The Department of Ulterior Motives (DUM), a company known for high-concept, low-budget work that often blends physical theatre with a bit of a political edge.

The production is scheduled to run from 16 to 21 May 2026, taking place across two venues: Ironworks Studios (Studio A) and the Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT). Most performances are set for 14:00, though there is an additional 19:00 show on 19 May. The cast features Maria Evans as Sherlock Holmes, Chully Mullock as Arsène Lupin, and Esther Dracott as John Watson, alongside Emma Howarth, Phaedra Danelli, Michael Grant, and Alex Scarrott in supporting roles. The creative team is led by writer and director Samuel Masters, with Cerys Duffy as associate director and Ella Palmer handling movement direction.

Regarding the practical side of things, tickets are priced at £15.00 standard, with specific concert rates of £14 for the 16 May show and £12 for the performances between 19 and 21 May. The show includes an interval and is recommended for those aged 14 and over, with a strict policy against children under two. If you are planning to attend, be aware that the production contains loud noises, comic violence, and sexual innuendo. The venues are equipped with wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and step-free entry, and they are also welcoming to assistance dogs.