A theatre has put trigger warnings on more than 20 of its upcoming shows – including a performance about Sherlock Holmes. 

The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire has issued a warning to audiences regarding Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty, stating that it contains crime-related scenes which could be distressing.

They added that the production also includes ‘discussions of war and crime, possible death, and murder.’

And it’s on the only performance to be slapped with the same woke warnings. 

In its 2025/26 season, the theatre has labeled a total of 22 plays with warnings. This includes productions such as The Shawshank Redemption, Friends! The Musical parody, and even three separate operas.

The trigger warnings have been met with outrage with freedom of speech advocate and Tory peer Toby Young ridiculing the response. 

He told The Sun: ‘If this theatre put on a production of the Nutcracker, would it have to put on a warning saying ‘may contain nuts’?’.  

The Everyman said the alerts already exist and claimed it allowed audiences to make ‘informed decisions’ about what they were going to watch. 

The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham advises audiences about potential distressing content in Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty, acting with Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as John Watson.

For the 2025/26 season, 22 productions in total, such as The Shawshank Redemption, Friends! The Musical parody, and three operas, have warnings associated with them (The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham pictured).

A spokesperson mentioned that while many patrons may choose to overlook the trigger warnings, for others, these warnings are ‘essential’ and are part of the theatre’s effort to ‘make theatre accessible for all’.

And it’s not the first time they have slapped trigger warnings on its performances.

The previous year, the theatre had similarly alerted audiences that certain jokes in their Aladdin pantomime, performed during the last Christmas season, might be offensive, and they also forewarned audiences about the potential loudness of the show.

It instead offered a ‘relaxed’ panto for those likely to be offended.

The content warning on the theatre’s website stated: ‘Panto is a lot of fun but sometimes it can be a little bit loud and a little bit cheeky with some jokes that only grown-ups will understand.

‘Please bear this in mind if you are bringing anyone under the age of 5 or anyone with a nervous or more sensitive disposition.’

The panto ran from November 29 to January 12.

An Everyman Theatre spokesman told NeedToKnow at the time: ‘Our priority is to ensure that all audiences have an enjoyable and memorable experience. 

The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire says that some of the jokes in their Aladdin pantomime might offend people

The content warning on the theatre’s website states: ‘Panto is a lot of fun but sometimes it can be a little bit loud’

‘Especially during the festive season. Including content warnings whenever possible on event descriptions is now standard practice across many theatre websites.

‘It serves as a helpful reminder to ticket holders that pantomimes, while fun and family-friendly, can sometimes contain innuendo or moments that may be overwhelming for younger children or more sensitive audience members.

‘By providing this information upfront, we empower our guests to make their own decisions on whether or not performances are suitable for everyone in their party, so that all can enjoy the magic of Christmas together.

‘In addition to our main pantomime, we also offer alternative programming specifically tailored for younger audiences or anyone who may find the full pantomime experience too much.

‘This year, we are presenting The Elves and the Shoemaker in our Irving Studio Theatre, designed for ages three to seven.’

‘We are also offering relaxed pantomime performances on Thursday 9 January at 10:30am and 4:30pm where the environment will be adapted to create a more comfortable experience for those who may benefit from a relaxed atmosphere.’

The previous year, the same theatre was pulled into a vegan storm of their own making. 

The theatre pulled a song from Mother Goose after several audience members complained that the lyrics about vegans would lead to bullying.

The song apparently said that the ‘G in vegan stands for gassy, while the A stands for either anaemic or annoying’.