Midsomer Murders – The Killings at Badger's Drift by Guy Unsworth. Richmond Theatre, 1 Little Green, Richmond TW9 until 1 November 2025 and then on tour, 4☆☆☆☆. Reviews: William Russell.

Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan.

Midsomer Murders – The Killings at Badger's Drift by Guy Unsworth. Richmond Theatre, 1 Little Green, Richmond TW9 until 1 November 2025 and then on tour,

4☆☆☆☆. Reviews: William Russell.

“A murderously good night out.”

Murders in and around Midsomer have been delighting the nation on television since 1997 and the killings at Badger's Drift was the first one to be shown. It was based on the first of Caroline Graham's novels featuring Tom Barnaby and his sidekick Sergeant Troy – after they ran out other writers carried on. Eventually Tom Barnaby retired and was replaced by his cousin and Troy too moved on, but this splendid production finds Daniel Casey, who played Troy, now taking on the role of Barnaby with James Bardwell playing the ever enthusiastic but almost always wrong Troy. They provide the focus for the play but what makes this an evening to relish, cherish and enjoy is the marvellous cast who play the inhabitants of Badger's Drift doubling and trebling roles as well as the roller coaster pace director Guy Unsworth, with a little help from a clever set designed by David Woodhead, has imposed on the production. It is as good a night out as one can find and miles better than any of the current Midsomer Murders to be seen on television. Part of the early Murders appeal was that, quite apart from John Nettles and Casey as a fine double act as ever graced television, they seemed to provide work for lots of big name character actors playing the victims and killers. The supporting cast here are less celebrated but could not be bettered. Perhaps the best moment in the current production is when one of the cast has to play two people of different sex being interviewed by Barnaby while not leaving the stage although. But no spoilers – death comes to Midsomer in many different ways with act one ending in a double murder just to make sure one returns after the interval. It starts after much loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead, and her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to believe it was the result of an accident. She manages to make Barnaby start to investigate and what he uncovers is a world of passions, blackmail, and bad behaviour to relish – nobody in Badger's Drift, with the possible exception of Lucy Bellringer played to the eccentric hilt by Juli Legrand is perfect. Even the late Emily was not what she seems to have been. As well as the cast there is a splendidly organised stage crew moving scenery and ensuring things are fast and furious. As murder mysteries go this one should ensure you die laughing.

The tour runs until June next year ending in Bath

Cast

Daniel Casey – Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby

James Bradwell – Detective Sergeant Troy

Nathalie Barclay – Judy Lessiter, Katherine Lacey

Chandrika Chevli – Barbara Lessiter, Dr Bullard, Dickie Whiteley

John Dougall – Trevor Lessiter, Iris Rainbird, Henry Trace

Julie Legrand – Lucy Bellringer, Terry Bazely, Phillis Cadell

Rupert Sadler – Dennis Rainbird, Michael Lacey

Chris Agha – Male Cover, Ensemble

Rhian Crowley-Mclean – Female Cover, Ensemble

Creatives

Director – Guy Unsworth

Set & Costume Designer – David Woodward

Lighting Designer – Matt Haskins

Sound Designer – Ella Wahlstrom

Composer – Max Pappenheim

Movement Director – Jenny Arnold

Fight Director – Annie Mackenzie