Midsomer Murders Review: executed with satirical familiarity, verging on parody
- Jack Davey
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
14 April 2026 I 19:30 I Curve Theatre, Leicester (UK Tour)
⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
Debuting just shy of thirty years ago, and producing 140 feature-length episodes, the ever-popular British detective series Midsomer Murders takes to the stage for its first ever theatrical adaptation. The play restores the premiere S1 episode The Killings At Badger's Drift, keeping it's loveable eccentricity and tweaking the original material to avoid a direct replica. Those seeking a conventionally serious murder mystery may not be satisfied, though it faithfully captures Midsomer Murders' daft and satirical tone that supporters will treasure.
Murder comes to the countryside in Guy Unsworth's production, as cherished local Emily Simpson is found dead in the idyllic village of Badger's Drift. When her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to believe that it was an 'accident', DCI Tom Barnaby and Sgt. Gavin Troy are tasked with finding the culprit, pursing a whodunnit case that uncovers hidden passions and deadly rivalries.
Originating the role of Sgt. Troy in the television series, Daniel Casey makes for a formidable DCI Barnaby tonight. He plays the role with a suave straightforwardness, his return to the franchise carrying sentiment in itself. Casey's live presence is imminently comforting, whose facile delivery makes the case highly coherent to follow. Supported by James Bradwell, his plucky Sgt. Troy has a boyish charm, constantly undermined as the second in command. He knows how to work an audience, with subtle asides and expressions of disbelief receiving many a chuckle.
Entering the auditorium, we are greeted by a mostly empty stage, with the exception of a circular 'Midsomer County' window, equipped with a model village inside that changes per location. And this area is utilised really well in the first Act, as each suspect walks into the frame, Barnaby stating their names and his suspicions on them. As a visual learner, refreshers like this are a great support to the narrative.
David Woodhead's design is complete with fragments of house interiors and garden furniture, either flown in or carried by sliding platforms. As they settle into place, these pieces tend to shudder, wobbling as they come to an abrupt stop. And although minor, its lack of finesse gives an untidy impression for a detective's story, in which details are so crucial.
We come to meet an entire village of residents which, between five performers, feels remarkably expansive among the quirky locals. The multi-rolling is so well executed, the cast seems at least double the size! This is aided by Suzy Barrett's wig supervisions, which have a transformative quality on the face.
The pairing of John Dougall's cross-dressed Iris Rainbird and Rupert Sadler's Dennis, who minces across the stage with a squeaky tea trolley, is one of the show's weakest moments. Their shared scenes border the line of parody, rather than attempting to remain faithful to the series' original style. The formula is tried and tested over thirty-years, so to playfully mock its characters feels reductive, rather than flattering.
At times, Unsworth's adaptation attempts to re-invent the brand as a frolicking comedy, rather than sticking to tradition. In many places, it does hit those familiar throngs. Transitions hear the sinister underscore of violins (composed by Max Pappenheim), and the sprawling countryside visuals are made believable by Matt Haskins' lighting design. There is a dream ballet sequence in which Barnaby's stress culminates in a nightmare, eventually dancing with a human-sized gnome. Perhaps different for the sake of being different, the surrealism doesn't benefit the production in any way.
Midsomer Murders: The Killings At Badger's Drift does work on the stage, in a general sense. The case is extraordinary, and guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Though at times, it can be too ambitious and over-theatricalise itself, distancing itself from its beloved 'cozy mystery' identity. There is a lot of potential amidst the peculiar, and die-hard fans will likely adore the evening... though others may grow tiresome of its cheesy puns and bizarre, abstract additions.
UK Tour Information & Tickets: https://midsomeronstage.com/#home
