This ribald romp is a perfectly pitched adaptation of the classic TV series, fully aware of its own absurdity and offering audiences a murderously good time.
For anyone not familiar with the long-running ITV programme, Midsomer Murders focuses on the apparently sleepy settlement of Causton – where despite the rural setting, curtains are constantly twitching and the inhabitants are at constant risk of murder most foul.
Residents have been killed by sliding doors, a drone, a death by drinks cabinet, and even drowned in tomato soup. Tonight’s despatches weren’t quite as surreal – but equally as dramatic. Well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in her home, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was natural causes. Instead she persuades DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries.
Despite some quite dark topics, the production is played with a knowing wink and never takes itself too seriously. Director and writer Guy Unsworth ensures his adaptation of Caroline Graham’s original novel is sprinkled with innuendo, smart conversation, and some subtle but delectable set pieces.
David Woodhead’s set design is slick and often integral to the physical comedy, with seated characters sliding across the stage or actors switching between dual roles in rapid-fire blackouts. This is no lazy TV conversion: it’s proper stage story telling.
Daniel Casey has stepped up from his role of Troy in the TV version to play Barnaby; he doesn’t quite have the twinkle of John Nettles, but it is a warm and round characterisation that never feels forced. James Bradwell is tremendous as Troy, peppy but not annoying and hamming things up to just the right level. Watch out for the gnomes and the afternoon tea.
The rest of the cast all take on multiple roles, with John Dougall’s switch between randy doctor Trevor Lassiter and creepy spinster Iris Rainbird perhaps the most dramatic and hilarious. Chandrika Chevli stars in a great interrogation scene that I won’t spoil, that shows off her skills. Nathalie Barclay, Julie Legrand, and Rupert Sadler also flex between several very different characters; it’s a tight and talented cast.
Switching from TV to theatre is not an easy transition. It’s a different type of storytelling and particularly for much-loved shows like Midsomer there can be a temptation towards pastiche. This production avoids those traps to bring something genuinely evolutionary and absolutely enjoyable.
Long may it live!
- Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until 21 March 2026, tickets £15-£52. Touring nationally including Cambridge Arts Theatre. 21-25 April 2026.
