Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift

Before taking my seat at the Opera House, Manchester tonight I had a confession to make: although I have heard all about the idyllic but strangely deadly villages in the county of Midsomer, where an unusual and alarming amount of murders occur, I have never actually watched an episode of Midsomer Murders.  It is possible that much of the audience at the Opera House were already fans of the hugely popular Midsomer Murders television series. However, for those, like me, who arrived as complete newcomers, tonight’s performance was more than enough to leave us reaching for the remote to experience more of life — and death — in Midsomer.

This stage adaptation is based on the first of Caroline Graham’s novels from 1987, The Killings at Badgers Drift, which won the McAvity Award for Best First Mystery Novel in 1988 and was named one of the Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time by the Crime Writers’ Association.  The Killings at Badgers Drift was also the first episode in the television series which came to our screens 29 years ago back in 1997.  

As I took my seat and looked towards the stage, I immediately felt part of the quintessential English county of Midsomer, with its green, leafy backdrop and circular window framing a snapshot of blue skies and chocolate-box village houses.  As the production started the opening atmospheric scene was immediately followed by the familiar theme tune, which everyone — including myself as a newcomer — instantly recognised, prompting murmurs of appreciation throughout the audience. We were then swiftly drawn into the murder mystery alongside Detectives Barnaby and Troy, and that is, of course, part of the intrigue and excitement of Midsomer Murders — the audience is invited to solve the puzzle too.

Beloved spinster Emily Simpson is the unfortunate victim, she has been found dead at home, and her close friend Lucy Bellringer makes a visit to the police station to tell the detectives she doesn’t believe her friend’s death was as straightforward as the doctor concluded.  Convinced there is more to this story she is keen to help the detectives get to the bottom of the mystery and here begins our gripping, twisty journey in Badgers Drift.

Director Guy Unsworth brings The Killing at Badger’s Drift to the stage with a fresh and thrilling new perspective, combining tongue-in-cheek humour, wit and an abundance of charm with an atmosphere that is quietly sinister and full of suspense.  This is further enhanced by David Woodhead’s set design, Matt Haskins’ lighting and Ella Wahlstrom’s sound, which are outstanding. The audience is seamlessly transported from manor house to police station to villagers’ homes throughout the production. In one moment, we feel immersed in the English countryside on a beautiful summer’s day; in the next, we are plunged into the sinister atmosphere of a murder scene.  The circular window at the back of the stage is used to great effect throughout the production. It becomes the focus of several key moments, offers glimpses into events from the past, and continually helps to set the tone with changing views of village life beyond.

Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby played by Daniel Casey (Midsomer Murders, Cluedo, Abigail’s Party) and Detective Sergeant Troy played by James Bradwell (The Beautiful Future is Coming, As You Like It) are the perfect team.  Daniel Casey who originally played DS Troy for six years on the television series gets a promotion on stage to DCI.  Casey pitches DCI Barnaby perfectly, he is calm, thoughtful and contemplative and he brings a warmth to the character that the audience immediately connects with.  Bradwell’s Troy brings energy and enthusiasm.  He is keen to impress Barnaby and is excited to crack the case, even if this means he is a little quick to judge sometimes, Bradwell strikes exactly the right balance of humour and charm, providing comic relief to the two detectives without undermining the tension of the mystery.

Badger’s Drift is full of interesting and eccentric villagers, and Midsomer Murders proves to be a masterclass in multi-rolling. Without looking at the programme, it is genuinely difficult to work out just how many actors make up the cast. The transitions between characters and the rapid costume changes are executed brilliantly, and the audience is treated to a particularly memorable moment when two different characters, played by the same actor, appear within the same scene.


Julie Legrand (To Kill a Mockingbird, The House of Bernard Alba, Ludwig) delivers a stand out performance as Lucy Bellringer, she portrays her as a bright, confident, forthright woman with an abundance of energy and determination which doesn’t waver, while also revealing Lucy’s sensitive side. John Dougall (The Merry Wives of Windsor, Hamlet, A Voyage Around My Father) flawlessly switches between his three roles, however his portrayal of Iris Rainbird is particularly captivating.  Paired with Rupert Sadler’s performance as Iris’ camp undertaker son, Dennis Rainbird, the two deliver a mesmerising double act that is extremely funny, providing some of the funniest scenes in the play, while also remaining quite sinister and unsettling.

Nathalie Barclay (Macbeth, Don’t Destroy Me, Antigone) plays Katherine Lacey with absolute charm bringing vitality and energy to the stage with her fiery relationship with her brother Michael, also played by Sadler.  Chandrika Chevli (Unforgotten, The Cherry Orchard, Hopeless Romantics)  brings perfectly timed humour to the stage through her various roles, particularly as Barbara Lessiter, whose relationship with Trevor Lessiter played by John Dougall, provides many comedic moments throughout the play.

Midsomer Murders is fast-paced, gripping and full of charm. The attention to detail and cleverness of script and staging transports the audience straight into Midsomer, leaving you fully immersed in the mystery, shocking twists and scandalous secrets, playing detective right up until the very end.

Whether you are already a fan or a complete newcomer, enjoy the production for exactly what it is — an escape to a deceptively tranquil county filled with interesting, multi-layered characters, brilliant performances, and the perfect balance of comedy and intrigue.

WE SCORE MIDSOMER MURDERS...