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.