The makings of a good detective

A murder mystery play is always gripping, whether it’s performed as an immersive, site-specific production or as a traditional show on a proscenium stage. Part of the fun is trying to work out who the culprit is in time for the big reveal at the end. But if you are heading to the West End for a London theatre break or a night out with your friends and you want your detective skills to match those of Sherlock Holmes, what qualities do you need

Observation

If you’ve read any detective story, you’ll know that the sleuth always has exceptional observational skills. Whether it’s noticing a certain habit that one of the suspects displays or finding the most unlikely clue left at the scene, great detectives are constantly observing what is going on. No detail is too small for their eagle eyes, and cracking the case often depends on their ability to really pay attention.

Listening

Alongside seeing is listening. The best sleuths in fiction are those that are attentive listeners. You’ll often find them allowing a victim, witness or suspect to talk without interruption before asking the next question. Again, the details are vital and detectives may ask about a seemingly insignificant point that turns out to be pivotal to the investigation.

Deduction

The quality for which Sherlock Holmes is best known, deduction is the ability to take the facts of a case and reason through them. Instead of jumping to conclusions or speculating, the great sleuths of detective stories use logic and analysis to sort through what they know and reach a specific conclusion. Holmes famously states that “when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth”. If you’re watching a play at London Theatre Week and trying to crack the case before the detective, be sure to rule out suspects as well as trying to find reasons why a certain character could be the culprit.

Empathy

Another trait of some of the best detectives, such as Lt. Columbo in the popular TV series, is their emotional intelligence and empathy. While the likes of Holmes lack this, Columbo uses it to his advantage, displaying a friendly demeanor and empathising with witnesses and suspects alike. This disarms them and they often let down their guard. Columbo is then able to draw out confessions or information that he may not otherwise have obtained.

A Christmas sleuthing adventure

If you like the idea of some festive sleuthing, don’t miss the ‘A Sherlock Carol’ theatre show. Playing at the Marylebone Theatre until 5 January 2025, this haunting mystery combines Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s ingenious detective stories with Dickens’ Christmas tale of ghosts and redemption. On a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, Holmes is implored by a grown up ‘Tiny’ Tim Cratchit to investigate the mysterious death of his benefactor, Ebenezer Scrooge. Can the troubled detective solve the case while overcoming his own ghosts? Can you guess the culprit before Holmes does? Book your tickets with KX Tickets today and find out!