Review – Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift – New Theatre, Cardiff

Everyone loves a good murder mystery, don’t they? Well now, one of the UK’s most popular Murder Mystery TV Franchises – Midsomer Murders can be enjoyed at the theatre too, in an adaptation of author Caroline Graham’s first novel in her Midsomer book series, which also provided the story for the pilot episode of the aforementioned TV series, which starred John Nettles as Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and Daniel Casey as Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy.

This new adaptation, written and directed by Tom Unsworth, sees actor Daniel Casey, who previously appeared as Sergeant Troy, step into the shoes of Chief Inspector Barnaby to solve the murder of elderly resident, former teacher and lover of rare orchids Emily Simpson. The fact she’s been murdered at all is brought to the attention of the detectives by her former colleague and friend Lucy Bellringer, who cannot believe that her friend has died of natural causes despite her advancing years. This sets the pair off on a journey with many twists and turns, and a few more murders to boot, to find the guilty culprit.

The Killings at Badger’s Drift is very well written and paced, keeping the audience on its toes with lots of clues being dropped in, red herrings aplenty and some genuine shocks. What is also surprising about the piece is the humour incorporated in the story, which also adds to the fun of watching the drama unfolding before our very eyes. The characters of the village are fully fleshed out, each one beautifully portrayed by a small ensemble who play multiple roles and give the right amount of character and strangeness to each one, leaving no one without motive or suspicion.

A particular standout for me is Julie Legrand who plays Lucy Bellringer with just the right amount of eccentricity, as well as taking on the roles of Terry Bazely and Phyllis Cadell, and a minister with a very good Welsh accent which causes no end of amusement amongst the Cardiff audience, under immense pressure to get it right. Also enjoyable is the portrayal of Iris Rainbird by John Dougall, as he brings out the slightly odd and yet acerbic side of this local busybody, with an equally strange son, perfectly.

Daniel Casey is the calm centre of all the mayhem as Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby, portraying intelligence and a sharp mind that eventually fits all the pieces together in a shocking conclusion. James Bradwell also does a great job as his sidekick Sergeant Troy, who is more impulsive and hotter headed than his boss, giving him a real sense of humanity as well as lovely moments of humour.

The whole company and the drama itself are also well served by David Woodhead’s wonderful set design which included models of the houses, police station and the Badger’s Drift estate, setting up the action beautifully and even giving you more insight into each character – by looking carefully at the décor which surrounds them.

All in all, it’s a great night at the theatre which carries you along and engages you in a complicated mystery to solve. Even if you’re not an avid follower of the TV series, which I’m not, there is plenty to enjoy in a good story that’s very well acted, with plenty of twists and turns that leave you fully satisfied at its resolution.

****   Four Stars