Murderous happenings in Midsomer have been entertaining television audiences for almost thirty years. With over 130 episodes and still going strong, Caroline Graham’s iconic countryside drama arrives on stage for the very first time, with Guy Unsworth’s adaptation of 1997’s very first episode, ‘The Killings at Badger’s Drift’.
Set in the fictional picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, the story centres around the death of a well-liked elderly villager, Emily Simpson. When her friend suspects foul play, DCI Tom Barnaby is called upon to investigate, uncovering hidden truths, sordid secrets and deadly rivalries. With a wonderful ensemble cast playing multiple roles, the production is slick and in the most-part entertaining, as they flip between playing victims and suspects, with costume and gender swapping a plenty! With the instantly recognisable theme tune played numerous times throughout, together with David Woodhead’s set design, Midsomer comes to life.
To coin a sporting phrase, I found it to be a play of two halves. The first half, used as a vehicle to establish characters, was a little slow and lacking in action. It took a while to warm to Daniel Casey’s Barnaby. However, as the play developed, I grew to enjoy his subtle, understated performance. The play features many eccentric and larger than life characters, so Casey offered the perfect foil. He was strong, commanding of proceedings and believable in the lead role – not easy when John Nettles’ portrayal is so synonymous in the role. It was inspired casting, and a great nod to the series, given Casey played Sergeant Troy in the original series. Troy in this production is played by Bridgerton’s James Bradwell. He offered perfect comic timing and great chemistry with Casey.
Thankfully, following the interval, the play really bursts into life with a second act packed with twists, shocks and surprises. For any successful whodunit, it relies upon a puzzling murder, a set of suspects with credible motives and secrets, enough logical clues to engage our interest with red herrings thrown in along the way to misdirect our attentions and culminating in a surprising conclusion. This play ticked all those boxes, which is testament to writing and how it was brought to life on stage.
Writer Guy Unsworth, who also directs the production, offers a fresh approach to the classic Midsomer, adding lots of humour throughout the play. Whilst some jokes landed (I particularly enjoyed the nod to how many deaths DCI Barnaby has had to investigate over the years), the ‘Carry On’ style humour often felt misplaced and diminished the piece somewhat. That said, there were some wonderful comedic moments and directorial choices that really did work. None more so than the interview scene with Chandikra Chevli wonderfully switching between two characters, almost simultaneously and Barnaby’s bizarre dream sequence, featuring Troy as a giant dancing gnome – no really!
Overall, the production felt fun and nostalgic, bringing the mysterious, murderous Midsomer to life!
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift is at Blackpool Grand Theatre until Saturday 14th February 2026. Book tickets here: https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/
Reviewer: Paddy Darnell-Walsh
Reviewed: 10th February 2026
North West End UK Rating: