PORTSMOUTH, U.K. - s4story -- Holmes Fest 2024 features two hours of sketches, comedy songs and stories that celebrate the vast range of Arthur Conan Doyle's writing.

Mark Wingett plays fictional Victorian actor Sir Algernon Blenkinsop-Carver – for whom things don't go to plan, leading to some hilarious comedy mix-ups!

Mark, who grew up in the area and attended school at Horndean, can't hide how enthusiastic he is about Portsmouth's Doyle connection: "Taking part in the show has been great fun!" he says. "I had no idea Conan Doyle's work was so varied, from haunted mummy stories to dinosaur-tales and much more besides, his fingerprints are on so much popular culture – including the detective story, of course!"

Mark's brother, Matt is the MC and deviser of the show. He describes the night as a fond homage to the writer in the city where Sherlock Holmes first saw light of day. "I created Holmes Fest because I'm keen to celebrate Pompey's links with Conan Doyle," he says. "The city offered great opportunies for him to find success as an author, and this is a chance to inspire new writers and artists in the city in turn, thanks to his example."

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Holmes Fest 2024 features original creations by Portsmouth creatives – and even includes the specially-penned Holmes Fest Anthem – written by the comedy music hall duo played Matt Parsons and Janet Ayers, aka Hudson and Lestrade.

Local author Christine Lawrence plays Mrs Hudson, who reveals the "truth" about life with Sherlock. Poet Jackson Davies portrays Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as a gentleman rapper.

With further sketches by established Portsmouth actors Vin Adams, Nick Downes and David Penrose, and The Gosport Steampunk Society's eccentric account of a deadly duel, the show is fab fun.

And if you decide to enter more fully into the spirit of the show – remember: there's a prize for the best-dressed Victorian.

And who knows, maybe there'll be a guest appearance by none other than Sherlock Holmes himself!

Drinks are available at the bar and there will be a twenty minute interval.

Tickets are selling fast, so now is the time get your ticket (https://bit.ly/HolmesFest24) for £15 from The Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3BS: https://bit.ly/HolmesFest24