Midsomer Murders has become one of the most popular television detective series worldwide. Since the first episode in 1997 it has now chalked up 140 different cases.
Based on Caroline Graham’s novel, itself the basis of that very first Midsomer episode, this new stage production of The Killings At Badger’s Drift is written and directed by Guy Unsworth.
Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby and Detective Sergeant Troy are visited by one Lucy Bellringer, friend of the deceased Emily Simpson, who was found in her home by the postman.
Badger’s Drift is a small village of two streets, a post office, and not much else. Everyone knows everyone else. There is only one GP. It’s the kind of place where murders are rife in fiction and TV.
Stock characters populate the story including the local busybody, the rich man in the large house, the furtive doctor, the flighty wife, the frustrated spinster sister, the artistic type, the gamekeeper.
It’s played in a heightened manner to start with, and the script is peppered with bad puns and jokes. The multi-rolling of most of the actors offers scope for creativity and quick changes.
Daniel Casey swaps his TV turn as Troy for Barnaby, offering a nod to the portrayal of John Nettles with a couple of vocal inflections and mannerisms.
The Simpson murder reveals hidden secrets, dubious motives, and lots of afternoon tea. Blackmail, false alibis, and a rare white orchid are all of significance. Pleasingly sinister, gory, and faux genteel, Badger’s Drift isn’t quite the tourist trap.
Aside from James Bradwell (playing dumb as the over-eager sidekick Troy), the cast of Nathalie Barclay, Chandrika Chevli, John Dougall (excellent as a trio of contrasting characters), Julie Legrand and Rupert Sadler all throw themselves into the intrigue.
I was a little uncomfortable with the overly camp portrayal of one character, but otherwise these village stalwarts are all recognisable, if eccentric. Quips about the crime rate are pitched to delight cosy crime fans.
Piecing together the solution is fun even if you remember it from the book or TV adaptation. The revealed murderer is wonderfully icy, while the two cover actors in the ensemble (Chris Agha and Rhian Crowley-McLean) make the most of brief appearances.
Add David Woodhead’s sliding set pieces and impressive costumes and you have a familiar and very picturebox English village mystery to enjoy.
I’m giving this 3.5 stars.
Midsomer Murders: The Killings At Badger’s Drift is at Richmond Theatre until 1 Nov as part of a UK tour – details here.
Image credit: Manuel Harlan