Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift
Theatre Royal Brighton
Until Sat 7th February 2026
A Nicholson Green Productions and Colin Ingram Ltd presentation
From the original novel by Caroline Graham
Adapted and directed by Guy Unsworth
Who doesn’t love curling up on the sofa on a chilly winter’s evening, with a drink of choice, ready to indulge in the latest ‘cosy’ crime drama on TV (preferably delivering a gratifying murder or two)?
Well, over the past year or so, lucky theatre goers have had a plethora of this genre to delight in, and are currently filling auditoriums all over the country. Those popular evergreen crime dramas from our TV and cinema screens of the ‘80s and ’90s are now transferring to the stage, so far with huge success.
Straight from the coat tails of the ‘Morse’ production comes the stage version of the first TV screening of Midsomer Murders, the classic whodunnit adapted from Caroline Graham’s original book by Guy Unsworth. Fans of this hugely popular programme, unbelievably first seen on our TVs in 1997, will remember Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby, played by the iconic John Nettles, and his amiable protegé, Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy. Its longevity is a tribute to the genius elements of the drama: the writers’ combination of murder and mayhem in the bucolic setting of the quaint English village. All similarities to Agatha Christie end here.
Now, I admit to feeling slightly trepidatious about the young actor playing the prototype Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy, right from the original TV pilot, being elevated to the dizzy heights of the John Nettles’ character, thus becoming Tom Barnaby, DCI himself. But what an inspired choice the wonderful Daniel Casey was. He played Troy for some 11 years, so is perfectly placed to take on a role he was so close to, and so utterly familiar with. In his own words he ‘had big shoes to fill’ and ‘wanted to bring John’s (Nettles) ….. honesty and integrity’ to the part. He certainly does that, and although clearly not wishing to do an impression, he has a knack of giving us comforting echoes of the original Tom Barnaby. In this production sidekick Gavin Troy is brilliantly played by James Bradwell, nicely engaging with his wonderful facial expressions, often wearing a slightly puzzled frown, he proves to be an excellent foil for Barnaby.
What is brand new in this production is the injection of a good smattering of humour plus a little gentle mockery at those original elements which made this series such a hit, raising an appreciative laugh from the audience. On the face of it the cast seems quite a large one, however all of the actors (except for Casey and Bradwell) play multiple roles, which I won’t divulge here as it’s such fun trying to work out who is playing who! Also, not too much information about the plot as there are so many twists and turns, shocks and thrills, plus a dénouement which is so unexpected it caused gasps from each member in the audience.
The set is inspirational, with changes being beautifully effected with simple pieces of set gliding on and off, some with an actor along with them. The idyllic village atmosphere is recreated with a simple ‘porthole’ window at the rear of the stage, depicting a country house on a summer’s day. Screens with abundant floral hanging baskets hang from the wing screens each side.
The superb Julie Legrand kicks off the action as Lucy Bellringer (love the name!), following the murder of her friend Emily Simpson. We see Emily in the opening scene, a quiet gentle old lady searching for orchids, then later found dead inside her cottage by her friend Lucy. Lucy is forthright and assertive, with a heap of opinions which she imparts imperiously to Barnaby and Troy. They promise to investigate. And we’re off! Introduced to an array of villagers in sleepy Badger’s Drift, the plot gradually evolves to reveal the inhabitants of the village: some creepy, some seemingly upright and innocent and some with dark secrets and disturbing behaviour. Rupert Sadler, alternating between two very different parts is magnificent, and Chandrika Chevli is positively astonishing, playing 3 parts immaculately. Thanks to the brilliant wigs and make up designer Suzy Barrett, at least two members of this fabulous cast are ‘double gendering’. I’ll leave you to discover which ones….
If you have never ever seen Midsomer Murders on TV – unlikely as it’s still going strong! – you cannot fail to have a great night out, experiencing entertainment at its very best.
Who is lying? Is anyone to be trusted? What exactly is going on in Badger’s Drift?
I urge you to go along and find out for yourself.
2 hours 20minutes including interval
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Gill Ranson
Photo: ©Manuel Harlan