Sherlock Holmes vs Arsène Lupin: A Drag Crime Caper
A new camp comedy pitting England’s most famous consulting detective against France’s most infamous gentleman burglar.
Arsène Lupin voyages across the Channel to challenge Sherlock Holmes, with Dr John Watson caught in the middle of a tug-of-war between these literary legends.
The Department of Ulterior Motives (DUM) specialises in high-concept, low-budget productions that blend physical performance and accessible storytelling with a mischievously political edge. Their debut production, an adaptation of The Man Who Was Thursday, was selected for SPRINT Festival 2026 at Camden People’s Theatre.
Cast & Creative Team
Sherlock Holmes - Maria Evans Arsène Lupin - Chully Mullock John Watson - Esther Dracott Inspector Ganimard - Emma Howarth Josephine Balsamo - Phaedra Danelli Moriarty/Irene Adler - Michael Grant Mrs Hudson - Alex Scarrott Ensemble - Alex Louise
Writer/Director - Samuel Masters Associate Director - Cerys Duffy Movement Director - Ella Palmer Stage Manager - Tiggie Ellison
Reviews
A riotous whirlwind of activity... a most enjoyable romp!
- Broadway Baby (for The Man Who Was Thursday, DUM, 2025)
★★★★
Nothing short of immaculate... farce at its very best.
- Brighton Source (for The Man Who Was Thursday, DUM, 2025)
More than a tour-de-farce... you must see this.
- View From The Gods (for The Man Who Was Thursday, DUM, 2025)
Company: The Department of Ulterior Motives
Genre: Theatre
Duration: 120 mins
This event has an interval.
Venues:
Venue Accessibility:Assistance Dogs WelcomeWheelchair AccessibleAccessible ToiletStep-free Access This is combined information – if this event is happening across multiple venues, please be aware this may not be applicable across all performances.For any queries about venue accessibility, including step free access, please contact box office. Age suitability: 14+ (Guideline)Babes in Arms policy: Under 2's are not allowed at this event.
Content Warnings:
Loud NoisesAdditional Content Warning: Sexual innuendo and comic violence
Assistance Dogs Welcome 
Wheelchair Accessible 
Accessible Toilet 
Step-free Access This is combined information – if this event is happening across multiple venues, please be aware this may not be applicable across all performances.For any queries about venue accessibility, including step free access, please contact box office. Age suitability: 14+ (Guideline)Babes in Arms policy: Under 2's are not allowed at this event.
Loud Noises Additional Content Warning: 
