Murder at Midnight – Churchill Theatre

Murder at Midnight is a new comedic murder-mystery that unfolds over the course of a chaotic New Year’s Eve, inviting the audience to watch the crime unravel in real time. Unlike a traditional “whodunnit,” this production doesn’t rely on keeping you guessing about the killer’s identity. Instead, the fun lies in discovering how everything went wrong, why it happened, and what the increasingly frantic characters will do to cover their tracks.

The show stars Max Bowden as Paul, who stumbles onto the stage after a New Year’s Eve party dressed in a priest’s outfit, accompanied by Lisa, played by Iryna Poplavska. Bowden is a comic standout as an undercover cop attempting to infiltrate a drug operation while simultaneously trying to maintain his cover, and charm Lisa. His performance is full of nervous energy, escalating worry, and outright panic. Whether he’s whining in frustration or leaping onto the bed in a fit of agitation, Bowden’s physical comedy consistently had the audience roaring with laughter.

Another highlight is Susie Blake as Shirley, whose portrayal of a woman living with dementia is both sensitive and brilliantly funny. Blake masterfully balances forgetfulness with sudden bursts of clarity, revealing secrets at the worst, or best possible moments. Her timing is impeccable, and her ability to blend humour with vulnerability made her one of the production’s most memorable performers.

The set design is clever and immersive. The stage is constructed as a multi-room house, allowing the audience to see the bedroom, office, living room, kitchen, and part of the garden all at once. This layout enables simultaneous action: while a conversation unfolds in one room, another character might be plotting or panicking elsewhere. This constant visual interplay adds to the comedy and keeps the audience fully engaged as the chaos builds.

While the storyline is entertaining, especially in its comedic moments, it doesn’t offer the traditional suspense of a gripping mystery. The second act becomes particularly over-the-top, with exaggerated cover-ups and spiralling disasters as characters attempt to frame each other or escape blame. The escalation is undeniably fun to watch, even if it occasionally over-the-top.

Overall, Murder at Midnight delivers a lively and enjoyable night at the theatre. Bowden and Blake shine with standout comedic performances, and although the plot leans heavily into chaos, the show succeeds as a playful, funny twist on the murder-mystery genre.

Murder at Midnight runs until 29^th November 2025 at Churchill Theatre with tickets available at Book Show Tickets | Churchill Theatre, Bromley.

Reviewer: Zain Russell

Reviewed: 25^th November 2025

North West End UK Rating: