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DAY 1 AND DAY 2
19TH + 20th SEPTEMBER – HOLMES FEST – THE VARIETY SHOW
IT’S BACK! BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Presented in the finest Victorian music hall style, it promises two hours of non-stop entertainment, fun and silliness with a fantastic line up of short acts that will get us laughing, thinking, singing along – and maybe even dressing up! – Southsea Folk
After last year’s fun and laughter, Holmes Fest returns for music, silliness, sketches and storytelling with an all-new show! Join master of ceremonies Matt Wingett for a joyful Victorian Music-Hall variety, celebrating the life and times of Portsmouth’s world-renowned author Arthur Conan Doyle – who created Sherlock Holmes while he lived in Southsea! Actors, musicians, writers and Doyle fans present sketches, stories, poems and songs in a night of fun and surprises.
This star-studded programme features:
- Mark Wingett (The Bill, Quadrophenia, Eastenders)
- Hudson and LeStrade take you on a tour of Victorian music hall songs
- Side-splitting japes from The BBC Holmes Service
- Christine Lawrence writing an all new piece (last year she was a murderous Mrs Hudson!)
- Jackson Davies delivering more of his word-magic
- Kinematographic extravaganza celebrating Portsmouth’s connections to Conan Doyle
- And of course……Sherlock Holmes himself!
PRIZES, PRIZES, PRIZES!
This is YOUR chance to win a PRIZE! You are encouraged to wear Victorian / Edwardian clothing – The Best Dressed Victorian will receive a special prize! There will be a 20 minute interval. Refreshments available from the bar, and books, art and other items will be available to buy.
HOLMES FEST THEATRE SHOW INFO
- DATES:
Friday 19 September 2025
Saturday 20 September 2025 - VENUE: The Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Street, Portsea, PO1 3BS
- TIME:
- Doors and bar opens 7pm
- Show starts 7:30pm
- Interval 20 minutes
- TICKETS: £15 Regular / £35 VIP
- VIP package includes: Champagne & canape reception, Meet and greet from the cast, A musical serenade from Hudson and Lestrade and An EXCLUSIVE Holmes Fest book – containing Conan Doyle and Sherlock-related places in Portsmouth and Southsea for you to explore
Get your tickets here
DAY 2 AFTERNOON
20TH SEPTEMBER
DINOSAUR AND FOSSIL FUN!
THE LOST WORLD ART WORKSHOP
Kids are invited to get their hands dirty painting fossil dinosaur eggs or dinosaur skulls in this fun, free workshop.
When your kids come in, they can select the handmade egg or skull they want to paint, and James Waterfield will give them all the materials they need.
Once your fossil is painted, you can take your own dinosaur Fossil from the Lost World home!
It’s a fun way to celebrate the first dinosaur adventure novel The Lost World, and the amazing silent movie that’s 100 years old this year!
NOTE: This is a free walk-in event. James will take four kids at any one time. If you need to wait, Southsea Arts Cinema has coffees, other drinks and a great selection of snacks and cakes. Painting time can be 5 to 15 minutes depending on the age of the kids!
James Waterfield is an Artist and Secondary school teacher with many years experience of delivering exciting Art Workshops for Children at events like Portsmouth Comic Con and Hastings Comic Con.
DINOSAUR AND FOSSIL FUN INFO
- VENUE: The Southsea Community Cinema and Arts Centre, 1-3 Palmerston Road, Southsea, PO5 3QQ
- TIME: 12.00 noon till 4.00 pm
- TICKETS: This is a FREE event – walk in any time between 12.00 and 3.45
Get your tickets here
DAY 3
SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER
THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF THE HABERDASHER’S SCISSORS
In this fun illustrated talk, local writers and researchers, Alison Habens and Matt Wingett, claim to have discovered an extraordinary fact: three famous literary figures of the 19th Century, H.G.Wells, Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling met each other in the early 1880s, in the old Drapery Bazaar, Hide’s Emporium, on King’s Road in Southsea.
Even more amazing, they were involved in a dark mystery that might have come straight from one of their own stories. Hear it unfold, through a series of extracts from their autobiographies, solve a few clues yourself – and work out where the boundary between true history and pure invention sits…
Is truth stranger than fiction? And it get in the way of a good yarn? You decide!
HABERDASHER’S SCISSORS INFO
- DATE: Sunday 21st September 2025
- VENUE: Hunter Gatherer, Southsea, 249 Albert Road, PO4 0JR
- TIME 3pm – 4.30pm
- Tickets £7.50
Get your tickets here
DAY 4
MONDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER
IN SHERLOCK’S FOOTSTEPS
GUIDED WALK OF CONAN DOYLE’S PORTSMOUTH
Matt Wingett invites you to walk the streets that young Arthur Conan Doyle walked 140 years ago. You’ll meet at the A Bar, Old Portsmouth and take a walk through Old Portsmouth to Southsea. On the way Matt will tell you some of his adventures in the town and you’ll discover:
- where he got into a bout of fisticuffs on his first day
- the site where the real Dr Watson once lived
- why he was involved in real deaths, a stabbing and disasters in the city
- the pub where he attended an inquest
- how the town gave him place names for his characters
- the place where he met his wife to be
- how tragedy threw him and his first wife together
- the place where he met his “Platonic mistress”
- where he spent his last night before leaving the town in 1890
GUIDED WALK INFO:
- DATE: 22nd September 2025
- Meeting point: Outside The A Bar, 58 White Hart Road, PO1 2JA
- When: 2pm Eventbrite Link
- Tickets: £15
Get your tickets here
DAY 5
TUESDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER
ZOINKS! THE MYSTERY MACHINE MEETS SHERLOCK HOLMES
THE SPOOKY FOLKLORE BEHIND SCOOBY-DOO – WITH SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY SHERLOCK HOLMES
For people who love a mystery this popular show is great fun – and has a Sherlockian twist never seen before!
The classic Hanna Barbera cartoon franchise ‘Scooby-Doo’ has been enjoyed by adults and children alike since the 1960s. It has seen various versions come and go, but at its heart it has always dealt with mystery and the supernatural.
Mark Norman’s groundbreaking book Zoinks, published in 2024, is the first to examine the myth and folklore behind the Scooby-Doo villains, removing the mask to expose how well, or badly, the show has represented the real-world in the show.
Now, a new live show, full of humour and interactivity, presents some of the content of the book in the style you would expect from the show. In an exclusive adaptation of the usual show, written for HolmesFest to include Sherlock himself, you can now experience Zoinks in Portsmouth for the first time.
Mark Norman is a folklorist and author, and the creator of The Folklore Podcast – one of the highest-ranking shows in its genre worldwide with over 2 million downloads behind it. He has variously written for Penguin, HarperCollins, the National Trust and many other publishers. Zoinks: The Spooky Folklore Behind Scooby-Doo was written with input from many of the show’s writers and producers.
ZOINKS! INFO
- DATE: 23rd September 2025
- VENUE: Hunter Gatherer, Southsea, 249 Albert Road, PO4 0JR
- TIME 7.30 pm – 9.30pm
- Tickets: £7.50
Get your tickets here
DAY 6
WEDNESDAY 24th SEPTEMBER
A SHERLOCK DOUBLE BILL
1 DISCOVERING SHERLOCK
2 THE FOLKLORE BEHIND THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES
Join two world-renowned experts to discuss how Sherlock was created, and the legends behind the Hound of the Baskervilles in this fascinating double bill.
VENUE: Menuhin Room, Portsmouth Central Library
TIME: 7.00 pm start
TALK 1: DISCOVERING SHERLOCK
How, did Sherlock Holmes come into existence? What and who were the influences – cultural, intellectual, geographical, political etc – that went into his making? In this fascinating discussion between biographer and Holmes authority Andrew Lycett and Victorian detective novelist William G Sutton, you will delve into the lives and era that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to create the world’s first consulting detective.
This engrossing talk will piece together the clues to reveal how Sherlock Holmes came to be – and what he’s all about!
Andrew Lycett wrote the definitive biography: Conan Doyle, the Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes, a fabulous account of the great detective in his book The Worlds of Sherlock Holmes, as well as his study of Conan Doyle’s adventures around the globe in his fascinating Conan Doyle’s Wide World: Sherlock Holmes and Beyond.
Portsmouth resident Willam Sutton is an internationally published author known for his Campbell Lawless series of Victorian detective novels.
Break at 8pm for 30 mins
TALK 2: THE FOLKLORE BEHIND THE HOUND
Ghostly apparitions of Black Dogs are seen all over the world, but in the United Kingdom we have the broadest cross-section of different types of sightings. But, unknown to many, the folklore which inspired Conan Doyle to pen his most famous Sherlock Holmes novel, ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ has been recorded since the 12th century.
This talk explains the wide variety of different folkloric Black Dogs, and looks at the truth and the myth behind the origin stories for the Baskerville hound.
Mark Norman is a public folklorist and author, and the creator of The Folklore Podcast – one of the highest-ranking shows in its genre worldwide with over 2 million downloads. He administers the country’s largest collection of Black Dog material and is the author of the full-length study on the subject, ‘Black Dog Folklore’. He has variously written for Penguin, HarperCollins, the National Trust and many other publishers.
SHERLOCK DOUBLE BILL INFO
- Date: 24th September 2025
- VENUE: The Menuhin Room, Portsmouth Central Library, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2DX
- TIME: Starts 7.00 pm
- Tickets: £10.00
Get your tickets here
DAY 7 – CANCELLED
THURSDAY 25th September
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER at CHAMBERS
Please note, we have had to cancel this event due to insufficient bookings.
Step into a candlelit parlour where secrets flicker in the shadows and the clink of silverware masks whispered conspiracies. As the evening unfolds, you’ll dine among suspects, examine hidden clues between courses, and piece together the fatal puzzle behind Major General Drayson’s death.
Join us for an immersive mystery dinner at 27 Landport Terrace. Will you unmask the murderer before the final toast? Reserve your place—only the sharpest minds will survive the verdict!
Tickets include three course dinner and an evening of intrigue. We suggest you come dressed in your best deducing attire. Tickets booked directly with The Chambers – thechambers.co.uk
Murder is most definitely on the menu!
Arrive 1900 for 1930 dinner, carriages at 2230
INFO
- DATE: 25th September 2025
- VENUE: The Chambers – 27 Landport Terrace, Southsea, PO1 2RG
- TIME: 7pm for 7.30pm start
- Tickets: £40
This event has been cancelled due to insufficient bookings
DAY 8
FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER
THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE OPEN MIC
Step into the foggy streets of Victorian Southsea for a night of mystery, creativity, and performance at The Curious Case of the Open Mic – a special HolmesFest 2025 event!
Join us on Friday 26th September at The Hideaway for an evening where words come alive and music stirs the soul.
Victorian attire is encouraged (but not required), as we open the floor to poets, storytellers, monologuists, and musicians. The night unfolds in two acts: an open mic in the first half, followed by a curated showcase of featured performers.
Hosted by the charismatic Jackson Davies, this free event promises intrigue, inspiration, and a touch of theatrical flair. Whether you’re performing or spectating, come and be part of the story.
INFO
- DATE: 26th September 2025
- VENUE: The Golden Eagle, 1 Delamere Road, Southsea, PO4 0JA
- TIME: Doors open at 6:30 PM | Show starts at 7:00 PM
- Tickets: FREE ENTRY – DONATE AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE AS YOU LIKE!
Get your open mic tickets here
DAY 9
SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER
THE LOST WORLD CENTENARY SCREENING
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Arthur Conan Doyle’s movie The Lost World!
Southsea Arts Cinema and Matt Wingett invite you to Conan Doyle’s magnificent movie The Lost World.
100 years ago this year the first ever dino-creature-feature based on the 1912 novel by the creator of Sherlock Holmes premiered in Hollywood.
Produced and distributed by First National Pictures, the film is famous for its pioneering stop-motion special effects which became a staple of Hollywood fantasies – including King Kong.
Then, to clear the way for King Kong, First National ordered all known copies of The Lost World destroyed…
…However, some were missed and tonight you can enjoy the complete version reconstructed from collections around the world, beautifully restored in time for the Centenary. The movie also includes animations never used in the original film.
The Lost World stars Wallace Beery as the irascible Professor Challenger, Bessie Love as the heroine Paula White and Lloyd Hughes as the unstoppable Ed Malone.
The free screening will have an introductory talk by Matt Wingett dressed as Professor Challenger, who will highlight the film’s production history and its later influences.
Look out for real dinosaurs that may be lurking!
This is a fun night and a screening of a classic.
Drinks and snacks available.
INFO
- DATE: 27th September 2025
- VENUE: The Southsea Community Cinema and Arts Centre, 1-3 Palmerston Road, Southsea, PO5 3QQ
- TIME: 7.00pm
- Programme: A talk by Matt Wingett followed by a free movie screening
- TICKETS: £5
Get your The Lost World evening tickets here
DAY 10
SUNDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER
THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, STARRING BASIL RATHBONE
Holmes Fest Wrap Party – The Hound of the Baskervilles
Come to The Southsea Arts Cinema to celebrate the final night of HOLMES FEST 2025 for drinks, chats and fun.
Features:
- a prize for the Best Dressed Victorian
- a drink with your ticket
- chance to chat with Holmes Fest organiser Matt
- free movie screening
- nibbles and snacks
A fun night to wrap up HOLMES FEST 2025.
When you come in, you’ll first have a mingle, chat and drink with other Holmes Fest attendees and Matt Wingett, Holmes Fest organiser, then settle down for a brief talk on The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Then you can revel in this inimitable Basil Rathbone classic Sherlock Holmes movie from 1939.
Here’s the plot for this well-loved story:
On his uncle’s death Sir Henry Baskerville returns from Canada to take charge of his ancestral hall on the desolate moors of Devonshire. Here, he finds Sherlock Holmes investigating the local belief that his uncle was killed by a monster hound that has roamed the moors since 1650…
…Will it strike again at Sir Henry?
After the movie, there’s more time to mingle and chat, meet other Sherlock and Doyle fans, or just have a pleasant time with a few drinks.
After the presentation of a prize for The Best Dressed Victorian on the night Matt will officially close HOLMES FEST 2025 – see you again next year!
- DATE: 28th September 2025
- VENUE: The Southsea Community Cinema and Arts Centre, 1-3 Palmerston Road, Southsea, PO5 3QQ
- TIME: 7.30pm
- TICKETS: Adults £7 – Students / over 60 £5
Get your Hound of the Baskerville Wrap Party tickets here
SPECIAL HOLMES FEST OFFER FROM OTHERWORLD ESCAPES & SIP AND SOLVE – UP 20% DISCOUNT ON ALL MYSTERIES WITH PROMO CODE HOLMESFEST25!
Budding Sherlocks – it’s your time to shine!
Do you LOVE Mysteries and Adventures?
Other World Escapes is the #1 Fun Activity in Hampshire and #3 Escape Room in the UK
Find clues, solve puzzles and free yourself and your team before your time runs out!
With in-game characters, beautiful set design and sensory experiences, we provide YOU with a fully immersive, interactive and thrilling escape room experience.
To book:
- 1. Go to https://otherworldescapes.resova.co.uk/
- 2. When putting in customer information put “HOLMESFEST25” in promo code box
- 3. Receive 20% off for a team of 4-9 players. This requires booking in advance online or over the phone.
Sip & Solve – The only immersive puzzle bar in Portsmouth
Sip & Solve is an immersive puzzle bar where individuals and groups of 2+ players can solve puzzles, crack codes and sip their through to victory. Our Puzzle Pods© are mini escape room-style games set in a beautifully-crafted bar.
To book:
- 1. Go to https://www.sipandsolve.uk/
- 2. Click on “Book Now”
- 3. Once at the payments page, put in the coupon code: “HOLMESFEST25”
- 4. Receive 20% off for a team up any size up to 4 players. They must book online or over the phone.
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