Tom Baker Revives Sherlock Holmes Role in New Audio Drama

Tom Baker, celebrated for his role as the Fourth Doctor in Doctor Who, is reprising a beloved character. He will voice Sir Sherlock Holmes in a new audio drama titled Sir Sherlock: The Red Letter Day. Set for release in March, this production marks his return to the iconic detective role after several decades.

Return to Baker Street

Set in 1924, the story follows Holmes as he emerges from retirement in Sussex Downs. After years of quiet living, he accepts a knighthood but quickly finds himself drawn back to action. A new murder case forces him and his trusted companion, Dr. John Watson, to return to London.

A Legendary Comeback

This audio drama is significant as it is Tom Baker’s first performance as Sherlock Holmes since 1982. That year, he appeared in the BBC adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles. He last portrayed the character on stage in The Mask of Moriarty in 1985.

Baker expresses his gratitude to AUK Studios for the opportunity to portray the detective again. He humorously remarks, “Thanks to AUK Studios for letting me have another go at inhabiting the super sleuth. Third time lucky.”

Supporting Cast

Joining Baker is John Leeson, known for his role as K9 in Doctor Who. Leeson will play Dr. John Watson in this unique pairing, saying it is a delight to work with Baker again. “At last this time I was playing the Doctor!” he quipped.

• Nicholas Rowe as Norton, previously associated with Sherlock Holmes through Young Sherlock Holmes (1985).
• Katy Ashworth, making her audio drama debut as Sergeant Emily Lestrade.
• The late Norman Eshley as Lord Lestrade, in a role dedicated to his memory.
• Additional roles by Conrad Westmaas, Wink Taylor, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, and Ian Kubiak.

Crew and Production

The script for this audio drama is penned by Gary Hopkins, who has a rich history with Sherlock Holmes adaptations, having written for both The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes and The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. He remarked on the excitement of returning to Baker Street in this new context, feeling that it was unfinished business for Tom Baker to return sooner.

Sir Sherlock: The Red Letter Day is directed and produced by Barnaby Eaton-Jones, who also serves as script editor and casting director. The audio drama can be pre-ordered now through Kickstarter, which offers CDs and official novelizations.