Midsomer Murders on stage review: A killer debut for the classic crime drama

by

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

28 years after it first launched on our TV screens, Midsomer Murders makes a thrilling stage debut.

Experience the charm of Midsomer with a fresh take on the very first mystery, The Killings at Badger’s Drift. Writer and director Guy Unsworth brings a new perspective to the story that launched the beloved TV series.

I was completely hooked by this mystery! It all starts when Emily Simpson, a really popular woman in town, suddenly dies, and her friend Lucy just knows it wasn’t an accident. Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby and Sergeant Troy arrive to look into it, and what they uncover is amazing – a whole web of secret loves, old grudges, and dangerous competition. It’s a brilliant story!

Daniel Casey, who originally played DS Gavin Troy, is now starring as DCI Tom Barnaby. He told Radiotimes.com he felt a bit nervous about taking on the role previously held by John Nettles, but he’s stepping into it confidently.

Casey delivers a calm and reassuring performance, providing a sense of stability within the play. He acts as a reliable guide for the audience as the story unfolds in the often chaotic world of Midsomer.

The show features a diverse and interesting group of characters, brought to life by a small but incredibly talented supporting cast. It was surprising to discover at the end that so few actors played all of those different parts – many of them took on two or three roles each!

James Bradwell now plays DS Troy, Barnaby’s former partner, and perfectly captures the character’s familiar traits – like reckless driving and jumping to conclusions. The play is full of humor, and Bradwell is often at the center of it, either as the target of jokes or as an enthusiastic, lighthearted detective – adding to the show’s signature comedic style.

Before the performance, Casey promised fans of the TV show would enjoy the play, and it definitely delivered! Watching it felt like seeing an episode come to life. The set design quickly and seamlessly shifted between different locations – from cozy cottages to grand manors and even crime scenes – creating the same immersive experience as the show. The familiar music added to the atmosphere, building tension, highlighting moments of warmth, and capturing the mystery, darkness, and uniquely British charm that the series is known for.

Midsomer Murders is a classic mystery that delivers exactly what fans want: a clever and thoroughly enjoyable whodunnit. It’s two hours of engaging intrigue and charm that will keep you guessing until the final reveal. But don’t be too sure you’ll figure it out before Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby does!

When can I see Midsomer Murders on UK tour?

15 dates and venues have been announced so far for the Midsomer Murders UK tour:

  • 24th Oct – 1st Nov 2025 – London, Richmond
  • 4th – 8th Nov 2025 – Malvern, Festival Theatre
  • 11th – 15th Nov 2025 – Chester, Storyhouse
  • 18th – 22nd Nov 2025 – Eastbourne, Devonshire Park Theatre
  • 25th – 29th Nov 2025 – Sheffield, Lyceum
  • 20th – 24th Jan 2026 – Truro, Hall for Cornwall
  • 27th – 31st Jan 2026 – Guildford, The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
  • 3rd – 7th Feb 2026 – Brighton, Theatre Royal
  • 10th – 14th Feb 2026 – Blackpool, Grand
  • 17th – 21st Feb 2026 – Glasgow, Theatre Royal
  • 24th – 28th Feb 2026 – Nottingham, Theatre Royal
  • 10th – 14th Mar 2026 – Birmingham, The Alexandra
  • 17th – 21st Mar 2026 – Norwich, Theatre Royal
  • 24th – 28th Mar 2026 – Derby, Derby Theatre
  • 14th – 18th Apr 2026 – Leicester, The Curve
  • 21st – 25th Apr 2026 – Cambridge, The Arts Theatre
  • 29th Apr – 2nd May 2026 – Oxford, New Theatre
  • 12th – 16th May 2026 – Bromley, Churchill Theatre
  • 19th – 23rd May 2026 – Darlington, Hippodrome
  • 27th – 30th May 2026 – Manchester, Opera House
  • 2nd – 6th Jun 2026 – Dublin, Gaiety Theatre

How to get Midsomer Murders UK tour tickets

Tickets for several of the shows are available on ATG Tickets.

Read More

2025-10-31 02:34