Experience interactive magic shows that serve as engaging educational programs for schools, libraries, and parties, perfect for fundraisers and live shows that enhance public relations!
Sherlock Holmes Events
Extraordinary experiences await you!
You and your friends can meet the man whom the Criterion Bar Association of Chicago has described as "certainly the genuine article" and whom noted Sherlockian scholar Chris Redmond, BSI, has called "Sherlock Holmes to the life." To bring the captivating world of Sherlock Holmes and his exceptional deductive skills to your next business meeting, banquet, fund-raiser, or exclusive event, you must first check if your schedule aligns with that of Mr. Holmes.
In his role as the Baker Street detective, John C. Sherwood offers a variety of interactive events designed for mystery entertainment:
**SHERLOCK HOLMES'S BASIC LESSONS:** Enjoy a witty presentation showcasing the methods and techniques used by the great detective to solve his cases. For diehard Sherlockians, there's a bonus—if you earn Mr. Holmes's respect, you may receive his "whole art of detection in 20 words"! You just might end up smarter than when you started listening!
**SHERLOCK HOLMES DEMONSTRATES:** Watch as the sleuth applies his deductive skills on audience members, often revealing character traits from pocket items, unmasking an evil-doer among the guests, and discerning who's telling the truth versus who's fibbing! The excitement of this live performance might even lead the audience to expect bloodshed!
**DINNER WITH MR. HOLMES:** This self-catered dinner is hosted by Mr. Holmes, who will not only offer toasts and pithy observations but will also present intellectual challenges while answering any inquiries your guests might have about his eventful life!
**SHERLOCK HOLMES SPEAKS:** Invite the sleuth to your organization for an entertaining and enlightening speech that emphasizes problem-solving skills, using examples from his illustrious career in both Victorian London and present-day America!
Baker Street Irregulars scion societies that have engaged with Mr. Holmes include:
- The Sherlockians of Baltimore, Maryland
- The Cheshire Sherlock Holmes Society, Connecticut
- The Criterion Bar Association, Chicago, Illinois
- The Red Circle, Washington, D.C.
- The Six Napoleons of Baltimore, Maryland
- The Stormy Petrels of Maumee Bay, Toledo, Ohio
- Watson's Tin Box of Ellicott City, Maryland
- The Ribston-Pippins of Royal Oak, Michigan
- The White Rose Irregulars of York, Pennsylvania
- The Denizens of the Bar of Gold of Cambridge, Maryland
* * * *
~ Deep appreciation is extended to Daniel Frey for the reproduction of his original oil portrait of Mr. Sherlock Holmes at The Victorian Villa Inn in Union City, Michigan. ~
WHAT OTHERS SAY ...
"Mr. Holmes was extraordinary ... His deductive skills were on full display in truly masterful ways. ... The philosophy inherent in his dialogue was profoundly insightful. ... The evening was a smashing success in the realm of mystery entertainment!" ~ Arthur Renkwitz, member, Baker Street Irregulars, New York
• "Baltimore had the best annual 'Saturday with Sherlock Holmes' ever. Holmes was smart, humorous, touching, and (most importantly) *believable.* ... Not only did the Sherlockians believe in him, but the non-Sherlockian members of the public also left the interactive events filled with wonder." - Andrew Solberg, BSI
• "Sherlock Holmes captivated the children during live performances as he taught them to deduce from the facts and to -- as he himself practices -- 'never guess.' ... It was so encouraging and rewarding to witness the children's engagement." - Jacquelynn Morris, Howard County (Maryland) Library
• "I'd like to express my gratitude to Mr. Holmes and the members of Watson's Tin Box for their engaging presentations. The programs were quite successful, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed them. It was so generous of the presenters to share their time, and for Mr. Holmes to travel so far for these interactive events." - Irva Nichlas-Gabin, children's librarian, Howard County (Maryland) Library, East Columbia Branch
• "John Sherwood's performance as Mr. Sherlock Holmes is utterly spellbinding. Over a 13-year run of sold-out Sherlock Holmes' Mystery Weekends, guests at my inn kept returning for more and more of his mystery entertainment! ... Absolutely outstanding!" - Ronald J. Gibson, Innkeeper, The Victorian Villa Inn, Union City, Michigan
"For over two hours, none other than the real, living Sherlock Holmes enthralled the audience ... his dress and physical actions were realistic to the core, showcasing his impressive deductive skills." ~ P. Stephen Clarkson, member, Baker Street Irregulars, New York City
"Indeed, he was Holmes to the life. ... It felt odd for a moment, but then quite familiar somehow, making small talk with Sherlock Holmes himself, enjoying the unique interactive events." ~ Chris Redmond, member, Baker Street Irregulars, New York City
"John Sherwood is the most realistic, believable, and true portrayer of Sherlock Holmes I have ever encountered. ... Were Sherlock Holmes real, John Sherwood is exactly what he would be." ~ Norman Davis, member, Baker Street Irregulars, New York City
* * * *
~ Deep appreciation is extended to Denis Dobry of Reading, Maryland, for hosting the appearance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson at his meticulous reproduction of 221B Baker Street.
Site Content
An alternative to our in-person events ...
Now, through your own Zoom session, you can experience these dynamic demonstrations of observation, deduction, and memory, which offer compelling, interactive events filled with humor and grand style -- perfect for all ages!
The miracle of modern technology allows you and your organization to meet the legendary Sherlock Holmes, who celebrated his 168th birthday in early 2022. Witness firsthand how this master can glean information, delve into inner thoughts, and manipulate people, all while staying true to the character you've admired through the works of his biographer, John H. Watson, M.D., with considerable input from the late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
From a quaint corner of an undisclosed location somewhere on the planet, Holmes himself will guide you on an excursion through his remarkable 17-decade-long life, answer your questions about past cases, and even share his Ten Basic Lessons! You’ll discover his “Whole Art of Detection,” which he’ll condense into just 20 words, and he will also teach you the indispensable Two-Word Rule that shaped his destiny and could very well change yours!
You'll play more than just a passive role; throughout these live performances, you'll be encouraged to participate by asking -- and answering! -- questions, and even joining in one or more remarkable deductive experiences that are part of the mystery entertainment he offers.
How does the virtual event take place?
Participants will be asked to use Zoom-enabled electronic devices that allow them to be seen and heard by Mr. Holmes during this interactive event focused on developing deductive skills. It is important to note that this unique mystery entertainment experience is not to be recorded in any way. Any number of people may participate on a single device, provided that one person serves as the appointed spokesperson for the group.
Mr. Holmes may request participants to mute and unmute as needed throughout the live performances. While participants will not face embarrassing situations, some of Mr. Holmes's demonstrations or questions may prove to be challenging. Those who wish to remain invisible to Mr. Holmes during the session must obtain permission from his scheduler ahead of time.
How can you make it happen?
To arrange an interactive event that enhances deductive skills, please contact jcs@mysteryvisits.com and describe your occasion in detail, including the number of participants and how they plan to join via Zoom. Additionally, propose at least *three* alternative times and days for your live performances, along with your preference for one of these mystery entertainment programs:
• Short meeting - 20 minutes: $100 US -- Includes a brief history inspired by Sherlock Holmes, followed by a Q&A session.
• Extended meeting - 35 minutes: $150 US -- Incorporates a brief history, 10 Lessons, and a Q&A session focusing on deduction techniques.
• Full session - 60 minutes: $200 -- Encompasses a brief history, 10 Lessons with a synopsis, a logic demonstration, and an engaging Q&A session.
• For young people only - 20 minutes: $75 US -- A welcoming greeting for students and youthful readers, specifically designed for teaching environments. Follow-up sessions (for second visits only) start at $75 for 15 minutes, with $25 for each additional 15 minutes, focusing on advanced logic and memory demonstrations, instructions, and relevant research questions.
We welcome requests for specialized programs, and our scheduler will respond with pricing and timing alternatives.
Confirming the event
If Mr. Holmes is available on one of your proposed dates, his scheduler will contact you by return email and provide a Zoom link for the interactive event. Once confirmed, one-half of the contracted payment is to be sent immediately via PayPal, with the remainder to be paid promptly after the session. After the second payment is made, any documents referenced in the presentation will be downloaded to the client for distribution to the participants as a souvenir of the mystery entertainment event. * * * * Pictured: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson visit the annual Kensington Book Fair in Maryland. On this occasion and many others, Dr. Watson's appearance was arranged by the late Paul Churchill. On other occasions in Michigan, Dr. Watson's appearance has been arranged by Brooks Grantier, showcasing their remarkable deductive skills during live performances.