In 1976, Alan Rickman played the role of Sherlock Holmes in a stage production of William Gillette’s play Sherlock Holmes at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. The production ran from November 4 to December 11, 1976.
In this staging, Rickman portrayed Holmes with “remarkable coolness and refined authority,” blending melodramatic elements with subtle irony that captivated audiences. His performance stood out so distinctly that the other actors seemed to fade into the background by comparison.
David Suchet, who would later rise to fame as Hercule Poirot, played Professor Moriarty. Dr. Watson was portrayed by Michael Hughes. The production also featured Barbara Flynn as Alice Faulkner, Ursula Smith as Madge Larrabee, among others.
The play was directed by Peter Farago, with set design by Geoffrey Scott and costumes by Priscilla Truett. The musical score was composed by Michael Lancaster.
This performance marked a significant milestone in Rickman’s theatrical career, showcasing his acting skill and charisma that would later earn him international acclaim.
Critics praised Rickman’s portrayal. One reviewer remarked, “Holmes, as played by Alan Rickman, is the embodiment of icy composure and restrained authority, combining melodramatic touches with masterful minimalism, creating an engaging and humorous spectacle that captivates the audience.”
This role became one of Rickman’s earliest major theatrical appearances and preceded his later work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he played Ferdinand in The Tempest and Boyet in Love’s Labour’s Lost.
Although this production was never recorded on video, it remains a landmark in Rickman’s career and a fascinating chapter in the history of stage interpretations of Sherlock Holmes.
