Midsomer Murders The Killings at Badger's Drift UK Tour Review - Hall For Cornwall

Sunday 23rd March 1997, a brand new crime drama premiered on television starring John Nettles and Daniel Casey as two police detectives in the quaint English countryside. Those detectives; Barnaby and Troy. The show; Midsomer Murders. The pilot episode, The Killings at Badger's Drift became the highest rated single drama of 1997, and say they say, the rest is history.

Nearly 29 years on, Midsomer Murders remains incredibly popular and is perhaps the epitome of cosy crime these days, and now it has made the move from the small screen to the stage with a new adaptation of that very first episode, The Killings at Badger's Drift. And if that wasn't nostalgic enough, Daniel Casey who played the role of Sergeant Troy for six series is back, now stepping into the shoes of DCI Barnaby.

Emily Simpson, a kind older women who loves nothing more than classical music, cake and orchids, has been found dead and whilst everyone believes that it was simply old age, her best friend Lucy Bellringer (Julie Legrand) insists that it was foul play and she demands that Barnaby and Troy (James Bradwell) investigate. And as they begin to follow the clues, they unravel a web of lies and secrecy that threatens to tear the small two road village of Badger's Drift apart.

Fans of Midsomer Murders on television will know it for dramatic deaths cleverly combined with cosy village vibes, all teacakes, bunting and the charm of everyone knowing everyone, with flashes of comedy that filter effortless through the drama. And you will be glad to hear that all of this has translated to the stage. David Woodhead's set, where hedgerows, kitchens and kitsch living rooms lower from the flies and quirky village characters wheel in and out in garden furniture and plump arm chairs, brings the village to life and Matt Haskin's lighting design balances the tree dabbled sunlight of an English summer with the bold flashes for the dramatic moments.

Casey's Barnaby is sensible, determined and clever, a dog with a bone when it comes to solving the case, simply refusing to stop until he has double checked every clue and ticked every box. He knows that nothing is ever simple, and that open and shut cases are the ideal but not the given. His partnership with Troy, played by James Bradwell, is believable and comedic. Villagers may consider them the master and his apprentice, but to Barnaby, Troy is an equal who is just as smart and deserves just as much praise. Bradwell gives a standout performance as the young Sergeant Troy, passionate about his work at all times dutifully writing down everything in his police notebook, following Barnaby's lead and piecing together the clues, all whilst trying to prove that he is not just the backup. Bradwell's comedic timing ensures that a look is enough to earn a laugh, be he trying to convince Barnaby that a drink is well earned or politely accepting any strange afternoon tea tidbit handed to him.

The remainder of the cast multi-roll throughout this production, playing at least two if not three characters each, requiring some very quick costume and wig changes. Julie Legrand's Miss Bellringer, determined to solve her friend's murder, is confident and no nonsense compared to Legrand's meek Salvation Army worker and overworked Phillis Cadell. Rupert Sadler shows his range, jumping from the eccentric undertaker Dennis Rainbird to brooding artist Michael Lacey and Chandrika Chevli earns great applause for one scene featuring some sensational lighting effects and back and forth.

Much like the television show, the comedy and elements that border on over the top combined with somewhat stereotypical ideas of English country living lull you in to a false sense of security, fooling you into thinking that you know where the plot is going when all of a sudden you a thrown a curve ball that completely catches you off guard and I guess that is the genius of it all. The twists and turns are as clever as they are funny, and the interval was full of discussion about whodunnit.

It could be risky business to take a television show that is so greatly loved and adapt it for the stage, but the team behind this production have handled it with care and created something that is cosy, comical and all together as charming as something full of crime, secrecy and death can be. If you love Midsomer Murders, or any of those Sunday night cosy crime favourites, then this is the show for you.