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Picture the scene: it’s the late ’90s or early 2000s, a Sunday evening stretched out on the sofa, when that unmistakable theme tune starts — Midsomer Murders. A world where life in Midsomer always seemed perilously short, often leaving me wondering why anyone stayed there at all. Yet my Dad and I were completely hooked. That nostalgia is what brought me to Bromley last night to review the touring production of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift. Adapted from the iconic 1997 pilot episode, I was intrigued to see how the mystery would translate to the stage. Would it deliver a gripping whodunnit, or end up dead on arrival?
If you’re not familiar with Midsomer Murders or don’t usually lean into nostalgia, the story follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and Detective Sergeant Troy as they investigate crimes across the county. When Lucy Bellringer becomes convinced that her friend Emily Simpson has been murdered, the detectives are drawn onto the case — though it quickly becomes clear this will not be the only murder of the evening.
From the moment we took our seats, we were captivated by David Woodhead’s set design. The picturesque countryside backdrop was not only visually striking but cleverly functional, later providing an overview of the suspects while allowing for smooth, almost gliding scene and prop transitions. Many recent plays I’ve seen have relied heavily on silence to build tension through performance alone, so I really appreciated the atmospheric sound design and composition by Ella Wahlsteöm and Max Pappenheim. The music heightened the suspense beautifully, while the iconic title theme was a welcome addition.
The casting was another major strength of the production. Chandrika Chevli was particularly impressive in her multiple roles, at one point appearing in near back-to-back scenes as entirely different characters, earning deserved mid-show applause from the audience. Several actors took on multiple parts, yet the performances were so distinct — aided by both the cast’s versatility and Woodhead’s costuming — that I only realised this by the curtain call.
Julie Legrand also stood out as Lucy Bellringer, bringing determination and sharpness to the role; her character could easily have made a formidable detective herself. However, the highlight for me was Tom Barnaby. Daniel Casey, returning to the world of Midsomer Murders after originally playing Troy opposite John Nettles in the ITV series, brings a real authenticity to the role. His performance perfectly balances calm authority, intelligence, and dry wit. Alongside him, James Bradwell’s Troy is charming, eager, and genuinely funny as he attempts to crack the case while impressing his superior.
If I had one small critique, it would concern a moment right at the end — though in a murder mystery I couldn’t possibly spoil it. Even so, it did little to affect my overall enjoyment.
Overall, this production is a wonderfully cosy whodunnit packed with genuinely funny one-liners and engaging performances — and that’s coming from someone who rarely laughs out loud in the theatre. If you enjoy a good mystery and fancy yourself a detective, this is absolutely a play worth seeing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Midsomer Murders, The Killings at Badger's Drift is currently on a UK tour and can be booked at:
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