Midsomer Murders at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne from Tuesday, November 18 to Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
Fans of Midsomer Murders are flocking to see its stage debut recapture the mystery, suspense and humour of the TV show, which has been running for 28 years.
Writer and director Guy Unsworth provides a comic adaptation of the first episode, The Killings at Badger’s Drift, which was written by Caroline Graham.
Playing for laughs gives the audience plenty to chuckle about and occasionally laugh out loud – as was the case at the Devonshire Park Theatre – but it sometimes reduces the tension, though there are a few chilling moments, such as the arrival of an axe-wielding killer. What is most appealing to Midsomer Murder lovers is the warm affection Unsworth shows for the legendary TV series while still creating a tongue-in-cheek parody.
After spinster Emily Simpson, a gentle, orchid-loving old lady, is found dead, her friend Lucy Bellringer persuades DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy that it was no accident. Their investigation reveals dark secrets, lustful desires and intense rivalries.
Daniel Casey, the original DS Gavin Troy, heads the cast as DCI Barnaby. Casey admitted in an interview feeling a little “daunted” about the role, but he does an excellent job in stepping into the shoes of John Nettles and Neil Dudgeon, giving us a stoic, authoritative Barnaby without fully capturing their charm.
There are other outstanding performances by James Bradwell (Troy), Julie Legrand as feisty, bossy Miss Bellringer and Rupert Sadler as fawning camp undertaker, Dennis Rainbird. His outlandish character is a comedic scene stealer despite Troy’s amusing habit of jumping to the wrong conclusions and being the butt of his bosses’ jokes. Troy’s bad driving is also highlighted when behind the wheel of an imaginary car.
A talented supporting cast, called upon to play two or three characters, is completed by John Dougall (superb as Dennis Rainbird’s nosy mother Iris), Natalie Barclay, Chandrika Chevli, Chris Agha and Rhian Crowley-McLean. They cleverly portray an eccentric community in the seemingly peaceful village of Badger’s Drift in the county of Midsomer where the murder rate is mind-blowing. There are four murders in this play alone.
There are so many potential suspects that it is confusing until the two detectives discuss all of them.
David Woodhead’s simplistic set helps to maintain a fast pace as the action switches from the police station to cottages and murder scenes in seconds. It all adds up to two hours of escapism and quintessential English charm – just like the television episodes.
All photos by Manuel Harlan
