Leeds Grand Theatre – until Saturday 23 May 2026

Reviewed by Sal E Marino

5***** 

At Leeds Grand Theatre, The Shawshank Redemption proves exactly why Stephen King’s novella remains one of the most beloved and emotionally resonant stories ever written. Adapted faithfully for the stage by Owen O’Neill and David Johns, and directed with gripping intensity by David Esbjornson, this production captures both the brutality and hope that define the original story.

At the heart of the play is the brilliant narration of Ellis “Red” Redding, portrayed magnificently by the outstanding Ben Onwukwe. Red becomes the audience’s guide through the dark and unforgiving world of Shawshank Prison, weaving together Andy Dufresne’s extraordinary journey with warmth, wisdom and heart-breaking honesty. Despite the terrible crime Red committed years before, he is a character the audience instinctively trusts. Much like Andy himself, you desperately want Red to survive, endure and somehow escape the crushing existence prison has forced upon him.

Joe McFadden delivers an interesting performance as Andy Dufresne, very different to the film’s Tom Robbins but, still one that evokes much emotion charting his transformation from frightened new inmate to a man driven by intelligence, resilience and an unbreakable sense of purpose. Without revealing too much, the story follows Andy’s harrowing prison journey — from his arrival at Shawshank and the brutal treatment he suffers, through years of unimaginable hardship, to his spectacular and deeply satisfying escape. Through Red’s narration and the powerful scenes on stage, we witness how Andy’s quiet determination and secret ambition to one day break free become the very things that allow him to endure a living hell. His intelligence not only helps him survive, but ultimately exposes and destroys some of the corrupt figures who abused their power, particularly the ruthless warden.

The supporting cast are equally outstanding, embodying characters that range from tragic and sympathetic to utterly deplorable. Kenneth Jay is deeply moving as the tragic Brooksie, while Bill Ward portrays Warden Stammas with chilling authority and hypocrisy. Sean Kingsley delivers a genuinely heinous performance as Bogs Diamond, alongside strong performances from Ashley D Gayle as the odious Rooster, Samarge Hamilton as Rico and Kyle Harrison-Pope as Tommy Williams. Every actor brings raw emotional truth to the stage, making the prison feel claustrophobic, dangerous and painfully real.  Kudos must also be shared with the creative team: designer Gary McCann, lighting from Chris Davey, Sound by Andy Graham and fight directing by Alison De Burgh. 

What makes this adaptation so powerful is that beneath all the violence and despair lies a story about hope, friendship and redemption. As Red memorably says, Andy is “a bird who shouldn’t have been caged.” Yet by the play’s end, Red discovers that neither should he. Through Andy’s influence, he finds the courage to give himself a second chance at life and finally pursue his own dream of freedom.

This production of The Shawshank Redemption is gripping, emotional and utterly unforgettable theatre — a faithful adaptation that honours Stephen King’s original work while delivering performances of remarkable depth and humanity.

Scarcroft Allotments, York – Sunday 17th May 2026

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

5*****

Mikron Theatre returned once again to Scarcroft Allotments, York for their latest show, Wensleydale Whey, The Grate Cheese Quest. Their motto is MIKRON THEATRE WHERE YOU ARE, and their aim is to make theatre accessible to all, in an array of places and communities. I have been fortunate to have seen them in numerous places, Lifeboat Station, Hostel and Scarcroft Allotments, just a few from over the years.

Written by Lucie Raine and directed by Elvi Piper, Wensleydale Whey follows Mikron’s familiar four actor-musician format. The script is funny and entertaining, packed with lively, cheese-themed songs. The staging and props are compact and cleverly designed for easy transport by van or narrowboat.

The ruins of Jervaulx Abbey are inhabited by four ghostly monks, led by the Prior (James McLean), who believes he has a direct line to God. These four monks pop up sporadically throughout the show, on a quest to find a way to resurrect their Wensleydale cheese, and finally, after being in limbo for 380 years, may have the chance to ascend.

Back in the “real” world we meet Sylvie (Georgina Liley), a posh city girl who has recently lost her husband. They had moved to the country wanting to forge a life together, but not quite understanding the country ways. This only puts the back up of their neighbour, Farmer Tom (Rob Took). Living with Sylvie is Daphne (Catherine Warnock), her new age sister, they are polar opposites and barely agree on anything. Then along comes Milo (McLean), a trespasser who was “The One”, until the monks decided he wasn’t, and have bestowed that honour on Sylvie. With their meddling behind the scenes, they persuade Sylvie to set up a business together producing cheese, or more importantly Jervaulx Wensleydale Cheese.

With several mishaps along the way, the addition of the glorious Mr Cheeze and the cheese inspector, they manage to submit not one, but two cheeses into the 54th Annual Cheese awards.

McLean is terrific with his comedic timing, both as Milo and his ripped trousers, and as the Prior, insisting that only he has the right to sing the lead in a blues number. Liley encapsulates her character and you fully believe her progression from a townie, to a cheese maker in the countryside. Warnock is excellent as the intense hippy, who slowly mellows, with the help of cheese. Took was especially hilarious as Mr Cheeze, who wouldn’t look out of place as part of the Village People.

All four multi-talented actor-musicians switched effortlessly between roles, playing multiple instruments, guitars, violins, clarinets, accordions and even a kazoo, with ease. They sang the somewhat complicated lyrics with ease, from the opening number Gregorian chant, Ora Et Labora, to the playful Take It Slow. It was a fantastic challenge to work out how many cheeses were mentioned in each song.

This was their first outdoor show of the season, in their 54th year of touring. Armed with our camping chairs and brollies, we set off, expecting the worst from the weather, we got soaked walking the dogs just before we left . By the time we got to the venue the sun was shining and it managed to stay dry for the whole show, no brollies needed. Divine intervention perhaps?

Outdoor theatre adds an extra dimension to a performance, creating a freer, more open atmosphere. It was wonderful to see the allotments full, and the show fully deserved such a crowd. Mikron has once again delivered another wonderful, joyful, funny production, this time packed with cheese. Who doesn’t love cheese? That’s it, I’m off to get the Stilton out of the fridge.

Touring throughout the UK until October, along with their other production Top Of The Wold.

A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY BASED ON THE LIFE OF SIR GRAYSON PERRY

GRAYSON THE MUSICAL:

A FIRST LOOK

AT SOHO THEATRE WALTHAMSTOW

16TH – 19TH JULY 2026

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM 20 MAY AT 10.00AM

FROM GRAYSONTHEMUSICAL.CO.UK

“What the hell is normal?”

A workshop production of an exhilarating brand-new musical comedy inspired by the extraordinary life of Turner Prize and BAFTA award winning Sir Grayson Perry comes to Soho Theatre Walthamstow from 16 – 19 July for a strictly limited series of five preview performances.

GRAYSON THE MUSICAL offers audiences an exclusive early glimpse of this brand-new musical comedy directed by double Olivier Award winner Sean Foley (The Ladykillers, Dr. Strangelove). Funny, irreverent, and unexpectedly moving, the show tells the incredible true story of one of Britain’s most celebrated contemporary artists.

Follow Grayson as he struggles to make his mark on the world while never quite feeling like he fits in. From the wrong class, wearing the wrong dress and making all the wrong choices, Grayson’s journey takes him from an Essex working-class council estate to the dizzying heights of the Tate Gallery. This irreverent odyssey sees him navigate identity, creativity and self-acceptance via marital breakdowns, career disasters and some life coaching from a six-foot teddy bear named Alan.

Combining outrageous humour with emotional honesty, GRAYSON THE MUSICAL features music by Richard Thomas (Jerry Springer: The Opera), book by Sara-Ella Ozbek and lyrics and life story by Grayson Perry himself. This joyous and riotous new musical is about growing up and embracing who you truly are, touching on themes of family, therapy, art and, of course, cross-dressing – you know, all the usual musical comedy tropes!

Grayson Perry said: “When I first started thinking about turning my life into a musical, I realised it already contained most of the essential ingredients – questionable fashion choices and class anxiety amongst them. Beneath all the comedy however, is a story about trying to work out who you are and if you can ever truly belong. A concept which many may relate to. I’m delighted that the show will be starting its life at Soho Theatre Walthamstow and excited to see what audiences make of it.”

Presented as a special first-look engagement ahead of further development, these five performances offer audiences an exclusive early opportunity to experience this bold new British musical.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday 20 May 2026 at 10am, with pre-sale available from Tuesday 19th May at 10am from graysonthemusical.co.uk.

Creative Team

Director: Sean Foley

Music: Richard Thomas

Book: Sara-Ella Ozbek

Lyrics & Life Story: Grayson Perry

Musical Supervision: Phil Bateman

Designer: Alice Power

Video Design: Akhila Krishnan

Lighting: Rory Beaton

Sound: Gareth Tucker for Autograph

Choreography: Lizzi Gee

Musical Director: Isaac McCullough

Producers: Trafalgar Entertainment, Cuelight Productions and Sustainable Entertainment

Authors of the book Grayson Perry: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl: Grayson Perry and Wendy Jones

Listings Information

Performances: 16th – 19th July 2026

Running Time: 2hrs 20mins (including interval)

Age Guidance: 18+

Website: graysonthemusical.co.uk

Tickets: From £15.00

Instagram: @Graysonthemusical

Facebook: @Graysonthemusical

Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe – until Saturday 23rd May 2026

Reviewed by Rachel Clark

4****

This is a brand new comedy written by Peter Quilter (Olivier and Tony award writer) and directed and choregraphed by Stephen Mear. The comedy has only 4 characters and all were fantastic. Dame Maureen Lipman playing Allegra, she was like the batty Aunty we all have, a happy person always singing and having an orchestra in her head. The singing gets her into trouble with shops and neighbours as she is disturbing their peaceful, miserable lives! Dame Maureen Lipman played Allegra extremely well creating lots of laughs in the audience. Her brother Ronen was played superbly by John Middleton – known as playing Ashley in Emmerdale. He is a devoted brother who tries to keep his sister out of trouble and in doing so gets her a carer Anna. Anna’s played by Elizabeth Bower, who enjoys the singing and fun she has caring for Allegra. A great part of the policeman was played by Bailey Patrick ( played in numerous parts one being in Eastenders) and he made you smile and laugh, it looked like he was thoroughly enjoying playing the policeman.

It was a great comedy and think the playwriter must have at some-point visited my Aunty as so many characteristics were the same!

It’s great show for humour, laughter and warmth. I am really pleased I got to see this play.

The only issue at the opening show was the volume, it did fade in and out at times and I did let the staff know in the interval, but if they get this sorted for the next performance it will enhance it even more.

CHRIS HARPER PRODUCTIONS AND SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS
IN ASSOCIATION WITH

HOPE MILL THEATRE

PRESENT

A NEW PRODUCTION OF

JONATHAN LARSON’S

TONY AWARD^® AND PULITZER PRIZE WINNING MUSICAL

GATEN MATARAZZO

TO MAKE HIS WEST END DEBUT AS MARK

DIRECTED BY OLIVIER AWARD-WINNER

LUKE SHEPPARD

AT LONDON’S DUKE OF YORK’S THEATRE

FROM 26 SEPTEMBER 2026

TICKETS ON SALE 19 MAY 2026 AT 12.00NOON

WITH 10,000 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT £35 AND UNDER

Chris Harper Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions in association with Hope Mill Theatre are delighted to announce a new production of Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award^® and Pulitzer Prize winning musical RENT. Celebrating 30 years since the musical premiered on Broadway, RENT will begin performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 26 September 2026 with an opening night on 8 October 2026. Tickets go on sale on 19 May 2026 at 12.00noon with 10,000 tickets available at £35 and under.

Inspired by his 2020 Hope Mill Theatre production, this new production of RENT will be directed by Luke Sheppard, who recently won the Olivier Award for Best Director for his work on the smash-hit musical Paddington.

Making his West End debut as Mark will be Gaten Matarazzo. Further casting to be announced soon.

Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman said today “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing RENT back to the West End in this bold new production. We were completely exhilarated when we first saw Luke Sheppard’s staging at the Hope Mill Theatre in 2020 – it felt immediate, emotional and utterly alive. Jonathan Larson’s musical remains as powerful and resonant as ever, and Luke has found a way to honour its legacy while making it feel thrillingly fresh for today’s audiences. We cannot wait to share this production and all that we have planned for it. It promises to be a truly special theatrical event.”

Director Luke Sheppardsaid today “It’s an honour to be bringing RENT into the West End for its 30th anniversary year, and a personal privilege to return to Jonathan Larson’s extraordinary musical. Directing the show at the Hope Mill Theatre was a transformative experience and we were overwhelmed by the audience response. The opportunity to reimagine that production on a larger scale is a dream come true, bringing West End audiences up close to the heartfelt emotion and raw energy that powers this seminal musical. This is RENT in the hands of a new generation of performers who love and adore this piece, and with Gaten Matarazzo playing Mark, it promises to be a thrilling experience.”

Gaten Matarazzo gained international recognition for playing Dustin Henderson in the Netflix drama series Stranger Things, winning a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance. On stage he most recently appeared as Tobias in the critically acclaimed production of Sweeney Todd at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. His other Broadway credits include Jared Kleinman in Dear Evan Hansen at the Music Box Theatre, Jesus in Godspell at Circle in the Square and Frankie Epps in Parade at New York City Center. He also appeared as Jack in Into the Woods at the Hollywood Bowl.

Set in New York’s East Village, RENT follows a group of young artists, musicians and friends, navigating love, ambition and creativity while trying to build lives on their own terms. Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, this iconic musical captures the joy, uncertainty and resilience of a generation determined to make every moment count. Featuring an unforgettable score and a story that continues to resonate, RENT is a powerful celebration of community, connection and a call to live every minute as if it were your last. No day but today.

RENT has music, lyrics and book by Jonathan Larson. Itis directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves. Set design is by David Woodhead, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, audio production and sound design by Paul Gatehouse, video design and cinematography by George Reeve and Nathan Amzi, make-up and hair design by Jackie Saundercock, UK Casting by Pearson Casting CSA, CDG, CDA and US Casting by Jim Carnahan CSA. The musical supervisor is Bill Sherman and the musical director and associate musical supervisor is Katy Richardson, the intimacy director is Asha Jennings-Grant, the associate director is Priya Patel Appleby and the dialect coach is Joe Trill.

This production of RENT will be produced in the West End by Chris Harper Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions, Winkler & Smalberg and Julie Larson in association with the Hope Mill Theatre.

RENT was originally produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon, and the New York Theatre Workshop.

GRAB YOUR TRAINERS AND

GET READY TO GO THE DISTANCE

WITH A TOGA RUN BY DISNEY’S HERCULES

in support of Make-A-Wish UK

Disney’s Hercules has joined up with RunThrough, the UK’s largest running events organiser, to host a Toga Run which will now take place on Sunday 26 July 2026 at 9am. Participants are encouraged to channel their inner hero and take inspiration from our very own Greek demi-god by fashioning a DIY toga to add over their running gear. All in aid of Make-A-Wish UK – Disney’s long standing charitable partner – which exists to grant life-changing wishes to critically ill children and their families when they need it the most.

The morning will start with a Herculean warm-up at Theatre Royal Drury Lane to get you from Zero to Hero, and ready to Go the Distance for the 5km route, starting and finishing at the theatre. There will be a host of surprise giveaways on race day including Hercules merchandise, and an exclusive Hercules finisher’s medallion.

Participants can register for the Toga Run online via: https://www.letsdothis.com/gb/e/disneys-hercules-toga-run-for-make-a-wish-uk-268209

The £10 registration fee will be donated to Make-A-Wish UK, and participants will each be provided a link to create their own fundraising page on behalf of the foundation.

Facebook /HerculesOnStage

Instagram @herculesonstage

www.herculesthemusical.co.uk  

With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by David Zippel and book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah Disney’s Hercules opened at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in June 2025, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. The musical, inspired by the 1997 animated film of the same name, was recently nominated for three WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical and is currently booking until 5 September 2026.

LISTINGS

HERCULES

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

www.herculesthemusical.co.uk  

Tickets from £29.50

Group rates and education rates are available – please see the website

PERFORMANCES:

Monday to Saturday 7:30pm

Thursday and Saturday matinees 2:30pm 

On the following dates the 7:30pm performance will be replaced with a 2:30pm performance:

• Tuesday 26 May
• Tuesday 21 July
• Tuesday 28 July
• Tuesday 4 August
• Tuesday 11 August
• Tuesday 18 August
• Tuesday 25 August

ACCESS PERFORMANCES: 020 3925 2998 or access@lwtheatres.co.uk

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH UK

Make-A-Wish UK exists to grant life-changing wishes to critically ill children and their families when they need it the most.

Right now, over 134,000 children in the UK are dealing with the gruelling daily reality of life with a critical illness. When it comes to their dreams, they deserve to wish for more than a life defined by their illness.

Critical illness brings the joy of childhood to an abrupt end but Make-A-Wish UK is part of a global movement that grants life-changing wishes that have the power to rescue the magic of childhood. Wishes provide a lifeline for families to spend precious time together.

Every hour, a child in the UK is diagnosed with a critical illness, making them in line for a wish. Make-A-Wish UK’s vision is to grant as many of those wishes as possible.

When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, their world comes crashing down. The playground is replaced with a hospital bed. Playing with friends is replaced with relentless medical treatments. Childhood can be replaced with fear. 

But a wish has the power to change this. A wish allows a child to dream big, no matter what they are going through.

For a child with a critical illness, every-day life can feel impossible; let alone any dreams. But a wish can make impossible dreams, a reality. A wish has the power to broaden a critically ill child’s horizons, giving them respite from treatment and allowing their family to create treasured memories, no matter what the future holds.

Make-A-Wish UK works with medical professionals, volunteers, and supporters to make every child’s magical wish come true; whether it’s going on a family day out, getting a gaming console or a bedroom makeover, meeting their idol, going on a dream holiday, or becoming a superhero for the day.

We are granting a record number of wishes, yet we face a serious challenge. The demand for wishes is far outpacing our best efforts to keep up, so it’s taking longer than ever to grant once-in-a-lifetime wishes. But the heartbreaking reality is that many families simply can’t wait this long.

Find out how you can help make a child’s life-changing wish come true at

www.make-a-wish.org.uk

SIR IAN McKELLEN OPENS NEW THEATRE IN HORDEN

A new chapter for theatre in County Durham began this weekend as Sir Ian McKellen officially opened The Playhouse in Horden, the permanent home of Ensemble ’84.

The opening event brought together invited guests, artists, supporters and local residents to celebrate the transformation of a former East Durham church building into a new professional theatre space.

Sir Ian McKellen unveiled a plaque outside the building, cut the ribbon to formally open the venue, and took part in a special evening of performance. The actor performed excerpts from Shakespeare, while Ensemble ’84 presented scenes from its forthcoming production of The Tragicall Historie of Hamlet – Shakespeare’s First Quarto. The performances included some of Shakespeare’s most recognised lines and offered audiences an early glimpse into the company’s urgent new staging of the rarely performed text.

The evening also highlighted the rapid rise of Ensemble ’84, one of the UK’s newest professional theatre companies. Founded in Horden in 2024 by director Mark Dornford-May and producer Sud Basu, the company was created with a clear aim: to make theatre for, with and by the diverse communities of County Durham to share with audiences on a global stage.

Based in the former mining village of Horden, Ensemble ’84 provides paid training and professional performance opportunities for people across County Durham, many of whom had no previous route into theatre before joining the company.

Speaking during the launch, McKellen praised the ensemble model at the heart of the company’s work and described the project as “unique” and “wonderful”. He also spoke passionately about the importance of repertory theatre and long-term investment in actors and communities.

Since launching in 2024, Ensemble ’84 has quickly gained national attention for its community-rooted work and ambitious productions. Its debut production, Mother Courage and Her Children, adapted by Lee Hall and directed by Mark Dornford-May, brought together local performers with artists from South Africa’s internationally renowned Isango Ensemble. The production received critical acclaim, sold-out performances and national coverage before transferring to Newcastle’s Live Theatre.

The company later followed this with Pits, People and Players, a production built directly from stories of coal mining and community life in Horden. Due to audience demand, the production returns for a second run this summer.

Now Ensemble ’84 is preparing for its most ambitious production to date. From 26 May to 6 June 2026, the company will stage The Tragicall Historie of Hamlet – Shakespeare’s First Quarto at The Playhouse in Horden. Using the rarely performed First Quarto text of Hamlet, the production offers a shorter, urgent and highly theatrical version of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

Mark Dornford-May, Director and Artistic Director of Ensemble ’84, said:

“Hamlet remains one of the most powerful and enduring plays ever written. The First Quarto version gives us a fascinating and highly theatrical way into the story; it moves with urgency and clarity, allowing the drama to unfold with remarkable pace.

For a company like Ensemble ’84, rooted in storytelling and performance, it offers a thrilling opportunity to rediscover this extraordinary play.”

The opening of The Playhouse marks a major milestone in Ensemble ’84’s long-term commitment to Horden and County Durham. Alongside future productions, the venue will provide a permanent home for training, workshops, rehearsal space and community activity.

For Ensemble ’84, the project continues to demonstrate that world-class theatre can be created anywhere, and that communities too often overlooked can become places of major cultural ambition.

Hampstead Theatre, London – until 13th June 2026

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

4****

Sarah Ruhl returns to Hampstead Theatre with Stage Kiss, once again collaborating with Blanche McIntyre. Set in 2011, two actors are cast in an absurd pre war melodrama called The Last Kiss about lost loves, and it is almost certainly going to be a huge flop. The director encourages them to do what they think is right without giving them any useful direction, and the supporting cast are enthusiastic in their roles, yet lacking finesse in their performances. Enter the unnamed ‘He’ and ‘She’, who when they were younger shared a heated romance, and now find themselves sharing the stage. She is married with a daughter, He is living in a grimy loft, yet their pasts and presents draw them together. As rehearsals begin, old feelings and unresolved emotions bubble to the surface, blurring the lines between acting and real life.

The show begins with a rehearsal room full of chairs and the house lights still up, exposing the cast and the audience in a bright raw light. Blanche McIntyre’s production is pacey and engaging. In true romantic comedy style, there are lots of laughs to be had while some slower, dramatic moments punctuate the story. There is also a hilariously misplaced dance number during a performance of The Last Kiss. You get the feeling that Sarah Ruhl had great fun creating the plays within Stage Kiss – weaving the plots together effortlessly.

MyAnna Buring and Patrick Kennedy as She and He have perfect chemistry as the lovers and scene partners. Rolf Saxon’s director is completely mad, and James Phoon is fantastic as his eager but inept protege Kevin who is also He’s understudy. Oliver Dimsdale,Toto Bruin, and Jill Winternitz are all excellent in their dual roles as dubious actors in the Last Kiss, and She’s husband and daughter and He’s girlfriend in the “real world”.

The set design by Robert Innes Hopkins is very clever, quickly switching between the set for the play, to He’s apartment, utilising the stage curtain to make quick changes. The front of the stage suddenly becomes the back stage and we are looking through the set as the cast take their final bows.

This is a romantic comedy that is layered and lovely, and just when you think you know what is going to happen, Ruhl will take a tiny unexpected turn. It’s not often that you come away from funny and sharp theatre feeling like you’ve also had a hug but Stage Kiss achieves precisely this.

Darlington Hippodrome – until Saturday 23 May 2026

4****

What a wonderfully entertaining production of Midsomer Murders. Bringing the beloved television drama to the stage could easily have felt gimmicky or overcomplicated, but this adaptation was clever, polished and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.

One of the first things to strike the audience was the excellence of David Woodhead’s set design. The staging was remarkably inventive, effortlessly transporting us from cosy village interiors to shadowy corners of the countryside without ever slowing the pace. Every scene change felt smooth and purposeful, creating the perfect atmosphere for mystery and intrigue while maintaining the charm that fans of Midsomer Murders expect, thanks to Matt Haskin’s lighting and Ella Wahlström’s sound. The attention to detail in the design helped immerse the audience completely in the world of the play. I was also sat next to the tech box – so kudos to the tech crew for making the show so seamless.

Caroline Graham’s writing was fabulous. Guy Unsworth’s adaptation captured all the hallmarks of the television series while giving the production its own theatrical identity. The script was witty throughout, packed with sharp one-liners and clever exchanges that regularly drew laughter from the audience. Importantly, the humour never overshadowed the mystery; instead, it enhanced the warmth and eccentricity of the characters. The balance between suspense and comedy was handled brilliantly, making for a thoroughly engaging evening.

Special praise must go to the exceptionally hard-working cast, many of whom took on multiple roles during the performance. Their versatility and energy were hugely impressive. Costume changes were rapid and seamless, yet each character still felt distinct and believable. It would have been easy for the double roles to become confusing, but the cast managed it with great skill and professionalism. Every performer brought enthusiasm and personality to the stage, creating a strong ensemble that kept the production moving at a lively pace. Special mentions must go to John Dougall for embodying the spirit of Doctor Evadne Hinge whilst playing Iris Rainbird and Candrika Chevli for portraying both Barbara Lessiter and Dickie Whiteley at the same time in the same scene. And Rupert Sadler because until I read the programme, I hadn’t realised he was Dennis and Micheal!

The chemistry between the actors was another highlight. Daniel Casey stepped into the giant shoes of John Nettles nicely portraying Tom Barnaby with ease. Whilst James Bradwell was an excellent Troy (especially as Casey portrayed Troy on TV!). Their timing, particularly during the more humorous moments, was excellent, and there was a real sense that the company was enjoying every minute on stage. That enjoyment spread to the audience, who responded warmly throughout the evening.

What made the production particularly successful was the way it kept the audience guessing. Like any good murder mystery, it laid clues carefully while still managing to surprise. I spent much of the second half convinced I had solved the case, only to discover I was completely wrong. The ending was genuinely unexpected and cleverly executed, delivering exactly the kind of satisfying twist audiences hope for in a classic whodunnit. Overall, Midsomer Murders at the Darlington Hippodrome was an outstanding evening of theatre: stylishly staged, brilliantly written and performed with tremendous energy by a talented cast. With its witty script, inventive set and gripping mystery, it captured everything audiences love about the original series while proving that it works just as well on stage. Most importantly of all, it was tremendous fun.

THE NORTH EAST’S OWN MATT BAKER TO LEAD THE CAST OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, DARLINGTON HIPPODROME’S 2026 PANTO

WITH THE RETURN OF JOSH BENSON AND JAMIE JONES

Darlington Hippodrome and Crossroads Pantomimes have today, Monday 18 May, announced that their annual pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, will star TV favourite Matt Baker. Matt will star as Jack, Belle’s brother, from Friday 11 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.

Joining Matt will be returning Darlington panto favourites Josh Benson as Silly Billy and Jamie Jones as Mrs Potty.

Matt Baker is best known as a presenter of Countryfile on BBC One and Matt Baker: Our Farm in the Dales on Channel 4. Previously, he has presented The One Show, Blue Peter and was a finalist on Strictly Come Dancing. He has been seen on stage as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

On returning to panto after four years, Matt Baker said: “I’m thrilled to be back in panto, working with Crossroads Pantomimes again to bring the magic of Beauty and the Beast to the beautiful Darlington Hippodrome and wonderful North East audiences.”

Beauty and the Beast is produced by the World’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes, whose Chief Executive Michael Harrison said: “I am so pleased that Matt will be leading the cast of our Darlington Hippodrome panto this year. As well as being a familiar face on screen, Matt’s charisma, charm and North East roots make him the perfect casting for our sensational Darlington show. Joined by Darlo favourites Josh and Jamie, I know audiences will be in for something truly special this Christmas.”

Councillor Libby McCollum, cabinet member for local services at Darlington Borough Council said: “Darlington Hippodrome always draws in the crowds with a spectacular star-studded panto and I’m thrilled that Matt Baker is joining the cast this year. With the return of Darlington favourites Josh and Jaimie, I’ve no doubt audiences are going to love what promises to be a truly fantastic show.”

In this classic tale Belle, longing for a better life, is taken prisoner in a cursed castle ruled by a fearsome Beast. Inside, she discovers enchanted servants under a powerful spell. As time runs out, Belle must learn to see beyond the Beast’s appearance and find love – or risk losing everything to the curse forever.

Beauty and the Beast will play at Darlington Hippodrome from Friday 11 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. For full details or to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405