Hall for Cornwall, Truro – until 24th January 2026
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
5*****
An excellent and highly enjoyable production, showcasing murder, mystery and suspense at it’s very best!
Midsomer Murders is a British staple and ‘The Killings at Badger’s Drift’ was the first episode of the much-loved television series which first aired in 1997. After 28 years it has now been cleverly adapted for the stage, written and directed by Guy Unsworth. Unsworth’s adaption is impressive and manages to retain most of the characters and significant scenes in which the plot unfolds.
When Emily Simpson is found dead in her house, her lifelong friend Lucy is convinced it was not an accident. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy are on the scene and discover that the village is not all it seems, with betrayal and secrets and indeed murder.
Daniel Casey who originally played DS Gavin Troy on television, now steps into the role of DCI Barnaby to great effect. James Bradwell’s performance as the eager and endearing DS Troy, provides great comedy. Julie Legrand is a standout as Lucy Bellringer, she’s forthright and very sharp, and also plays Phillis Cadell and Terry Bazely. Nathalie Barclay is charming as bride to be Katherine Lacey, showing a fiery side when paired with her brother Michael, played by Rupert Sadler. John Dougall plays Dr Trevor Lessiter and Henry Trace and is absolutely extraordinary as Iris Rainbird. Along with Sadler, who also plays her camp undertaker son Dennis, the pair share some of the funniest scenes in the play.
A standout scene is where Chandrika Chevli skilfully switches between characters Barbara Lessiter and Dickie Whiteley, turning in opposite directions to reveal different costumes to represent an interrogation of each character.
David Woodhead’s ingenious set is framed by a circular iron ‘Midsomer County’ sign which shows the backdrop to the houses of the picturesque village beyond and also projects flashbacks. This serves as a backdrop for the multiple sets that slide on and off stage, often to comic effect. The front of the stage shows off the miniature sets of different houses and manicured gardens.
Matt Haskins lighting design and Ella Wahlstrom’s sound design work well to create a tense atmosphere – suspenseful, comical, elevated and transporting and is a real bonus to the show. The cast of only 9 actors are incredibly talented and played multi-roles throughout the show to represent many more characters from the novel.
An excellent and highly enjoyable production, showcasing murder, mystery and suspense at it’s very best!
A must see and joyous night out ….