Sherlock Holmes meets Ebenezer Scrooge in Ottawa Little Theatre’s clever holiday mystery! A Sherlock Carol, running through December 20, 2025, brings together two of literature’s most beloved characters in a festive tale of intrigue, redemption, and holiday spirit.
Ottawa Little Theatre’s seasonal offering has proven so popular that the entire run is sold out—a testament to both the quality of the production and the community’s enthusiasm for clever holiday entertainment. While tickets for this season are gone, the show’s success highlights why OLT membership is valuable for theatre lovers.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: A Sherlock Carol at Ottawa Little Theatre runs through December 20, 2025. This Mark Shanahan play combines Dickens and Conan Doyle characters. Production is SOLD OUT, but highlights the value of OLT season memberships for future shows.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | Through December 20, 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave |
| 🎟️ Status | SOLD OUT |
| ⏰ Runtime | 2 hours 15 minutes (with intermission) |
The Production
A Clever Mashup
Mark Shanahan’s A Sherlock Carol brings together two literary worlds:
The Premise: Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man following the death of Moriarty. When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks him to investigate the peculiar death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective is forced out of his lethargy. Once again, the holiday is haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future.
What Makes It Work:
- Respectful treatment of both source materials
- Clever integration of Dickens and Conan Doyle characters
- Mystery plot intertwined with holiday themes
- Wit and warmth in equal measure
- Satisfying blend of genres
Cast Excellence
The production features strong performances throughout:
Sean C. Dwyer as Sherlock Holmes
- Perfect balance of sharp intellect and dry humour
- Captures the essence of the Great Detective
- Compelling portrayal of Holmes’s internal struggle
Michael Hart as Dr. Timothy Cratchit
- Radiates warmth and optimism
- Grown-up Tiny Tim with depth and purpose
- Excellent chemistry with fellow cast members
Robert McMullan as Ebenezer Scrooge
- Traditional portrayal with nuance
- Captures the transformation beautifully
- Brings gravitas to the role
Illustrative image only.
Production Details
Creative Team
Director: Josh Kemp brings vision and precision to the staging
Performance Schedule:
- Wednesday - Saturday: 7:30 PM
- Sunday Matinees: 2:30 PM (December 7 & 14)
Runtime: 2 hours 15 minutes including 20-minute intermission
Why It Works
A Sherlock Carol succeeds by:
- Honouring both source materials
- Creating genuine mystery tension
- Delivering holiday warmth without saccharine
- Featuring strong ensemble work
- Offering clever surprises for fans of both genres
Ottawa Little Theatre
About the Venue
Ottawa Little Theatre has been a cornerstone of capital-region arts:
- Community theatre excellence since 1913
- 400 King Edward Avenue location
- Intimate venue enhances theatrical experience
- Diverse programming throughout the season
- Volunteer-driven organization
The Sold-Out Success
A Sherlock Carol’s complete sellout demonstrates:
- Strong community interest in quality theatre
- Appeal of holiday-themed programming
- Value of unique, clever productions
- Importance of booking early
- Benefits of season membership
Illustrative image only.
Planning for Next Time
Season Membership
The sellout success highlights the value of OLT membership:
2026 Season Membership:
- Price: $180 for nine plays
- Benefits: Guaranteed seats for all productions
- Flexibility: Exchange privileges
- Value: Approximately $20 per show
- Priority: Access before public sales
Upcoming Season
The 2026 season begins in February with a diverse lineup. Check ottawalittletheatre.com for:
- Season announcement details
- Membership purchase information
- Production schedule
- Audition opportunities
Community Theatre Value
Why Support Local Theatre
Ottawa Little Theatre and community theatre matter:
For Audiences:
- Affordable entertainment
- Intimate theatrical experiences
- Connection to community
- Diverse programming
- Local talent showcase
For the Community:
- Arts education and outreach
- Performance opportunities for local talent
- Cultural enrichment
- Social gathering space
- Economic contribution
Getting Involved
Beyond attending shows:
- Volunteer in various capacities
- Donate to support programming
- Audition for productions
- Attend fundraising events
- Spread the word about quality productions
Other Holiday Theatre in Ottawa
Alternatives This Season
If A Sherlock Carol is sold out, consider:
A Christmas Carol (Morrisburg)
- Traditional Dickens adaptation
- Upper Canada Playhouse
- Check for availability
Miracle on 34th Street (Smiths Falls)
- Classic holiday favourite
- Studio Theatre Perth
- Regional theatre excellence
The Nutcracker (Various)
- Ballet productions throughout the season
- Multiple companies performing
- Various venues and dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are any tickets still available for A Sherlock Carol? A: The entire run is sold out. Check the OLT box office for rare last-minute cancellations, but availability is unlikely.
Q: How can I guarantee tickets for popular shows? A: Purchase an OLT season membership for priority access to all productions, ensuring you never miss sold-out shows.
Q: Is A Sherlock Carol appropriate for children? A: The production contains mature themes suitable for teens and adults. Check with the box office for specific age recommendations.
Q: Will A Sherlock Carol return in future seasons? A: Popular shows sometimes return. Follow OLT announcements for future programming decisions.
Q: How do I contact the box office? A: Call 613-233-8948 or visit ottawalittletheatre.com for information about upcoming shows and membership.
Final Thoughts
A Sherlock Carol at Ottawa Little Theatre represents the best of community theatre: clever material, strong performances, and a production that resonates with audiences. The complete sellout speaks to both the quality of the work and Ottawa’s appetite for thoughtful holiday entertainment.
While this season’s run is sold out, the success serves as a reminder of the value of supporting local theatre and considering season memberships. When quality productions like A Sherlock Carol come along, members have guaranteed access while public tickets sell out quickly.
Congratulations to Ottawa Little Theatre on another successful production, and to audiences fortunate enough to experience this delightful holiday mystery.
Source: Ottawa Little Theatre, Broadway World Ottawa - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
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