Sherlock Holmes Returns to the QPAC Playhouse in The Mystery of the Valkyrie

Sherlock Holmes is called to a grisly murder at Birlstone Manor, and the case leads him towards the one enemy he has always feared: Professor Moriarty.

That is the story of Sherlock Holmes: The Mystery of the Valkyrie, an original Australian play by Brisbane writer and director Michael Futcher, which returns to the QPAC Playhouse on Saturday 14 November and runs until 29 November.

The play had its world premiere at QPAC in 2023, and this is an exclusive Brisbane season. Eugene Gilfedder is back as Holmes (pictured above in costume on the Brisbane river with Ian Stenlake and Helen Howard), and QPAC describes him as a six-time Matilda Award-winning actor. Ian Stenlake, known for Sea Patrol and Stingers, plays Dr Watson, Bryan Probets is Moriarty and Helen Howard is Irene Adler. The cast also includes Rowan Chapman, Danny Brown, Stephen Hirst, Helen Cassidy, NJ Price and Cameron Hurry.

The staging leans on the screen as much as the set. Craig Wilkinson designed the video, which plays across the stage as clues and scenes, and Isabel Hudson designed the set.

A video projection fills the stage in the 2023 season. Photo: supplied by QPAC.

The season is presented by QPAC and Woodward Productions, with Neil Gooding Productions. When it was announced in August, Woodward Productions founder Alex Woodward said: "It's a privilege to bring this thrilling piece of theatre to Queensland again – it's going to be an unforgettable night at the theatre."

Sherlock Holmes in the 2023 season. Photo: supplied by QPAC.

The play runs for 2 hours 20 minutes with an interval and is recommended for ages 13 and over. QPAC warns that it contains flashing lights, loud noises and drug references.

The Urbanite is at the behind-the-scenes media call at the Playhouse today and will have more from the cast and director.

Sherlock Holmes: The Mystery of the Valkyrie

• Where: Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, South Bank
• When: 14 to 29 November 2026
• Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval
• Tickets: $79 to $109, plus a $7.90 transaction fee
• Age: recommended for 13 and over
• Book: qpac.com.au