We sat down for an exclusive interview with Simona Brown and Lucy Farrett who play Watson and Holmes in Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B at the Arcola Theatre.
Kate Hamill reimagines Holmes and Watson as a fiercely funny, gloriously dysfunctional duo, packed with hijinks, high-stakes sleuthing and a bold feminist twist. For Holmes devotees, comedy lovers and anyone who enjoys a clever caper with bite. This is Sherlock… just not as you know her.
This show runs from 28th Nov to 20th Dec at Arcola Theatre – Tickets here
How does reimagining Holmes and Watson as two contemporary women change the dynamic of their iconic partnership?
LF: In our version, their partnership is not as friendly at the start as it is in Conan Doyle’s first story, A Study In Scarlet. These are two very different individuals having to learn to live with each other in a post-pandemic time during 2021 when they were both previously isolated in different ways. As for them being women, I think the play really illuminates that gender is refreshingly irrelevant for the classic essence of these iconic characters. Any kind of person adopting a classic Holmes or Watson personality can play these roles. But our version also showcases the allyship often discovered between all kinds of women.
SB: In this version, Holmes is stuck in a rut, and seeking inspiration, while Watson is trying to rebuild her life after leaving behind a marriage and career that defined her. They cross paths at a time when both are searching for direction. Instead of quickly settling into companionship, they navigate the challenges of living together and gradually learn about themselves through each other. Through this journey, their friendship grows, shifting the focus from solving mysteries to personal discovery, healing, and a deep connection.
What aspects of your characters did you want to preserve from the original stories, and which did you most enjoy turning on their head?
LF: I definitely want to preserve Holmes’ childlike excitement about cases and mystery. I’m enjoying introducing a fierce, feminist independence with her character too.
SB: In the original stories, like A Study in Scarlet, Watson is instantly awed and intrigued by Holmes’s brilliant mind. In this version, though, Watson is more skeptical – she challenges Holmes with some wry cynicism, even if she’s quietly impressed underneath it all. Watson’s empathy and medical trauma is still present, but with a modern twist. I really enjoyed making her someone who can push back on Holmes while still caring deeply about people.
Kate Hamill’s writing blends dark comedy with sharp social commentary. How does that balance play out in your performances?
LF: Our Holmes and Watson are both battling demons in different ways as the result of a post-pandemic world.
SB: As a company we sat round the table and combed through each page of the script to really understand the meaning of each scene and the characters intentions. Sean, our director, has been great in guiding the truth of each moment, making the performances full honest.
The play promises “chaos on contemporary Baker Street” What kind of modern madness do Holmes and Watson find themselves untangling?
LF: Without spoiling it too much, Holmes fans will notice that some classic tales are given a modern twist in our version. Sherlock Holmes does order a pizza at one point too…
SB: I wouldn’t call it modern but Holmes and Watson join a convent – sort of!
As performers known for both stage and screen, how does this production’s fast-paced, anarchic style challenge or excite you differently?
LF: There’s nothing like performing live and feeding off the energy of an audience – it’s definitely a thrilling place for me always. The challenge with this production is not letting the chaotic energy of the piece, and certainly Sherlock herself, take over!
SB: Trying not to break character and burst into uncontrollable laughter has been a fun challenge!
What do you hope audiences take away from this bold, feminist twist on Britain’s most famous detective duo?
LF: I hope they enjoy witnessing a fresh modern take on this well-known world and find our characters more relatable than ever – alongside a very fun caper and a very inventive set.
SB: I hope audiences connect with Holmes and Watson’s relationship and the way both characters find themselves heading in directions they never expected. I’d love for people to see that it’s okay if life doesn’t go exactly as planned or hoped. If that truth comes through, and viewers see themselves reflected in these journeys, I think that would be a meaningful takeaway from this modern take on the classic duo.