MIDSOMER MURDERS: THE KILLINGS AT BADGERS DRIFT
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan
Somehow I have managed to never ever have seen a single episode of the Midsomer phenomenon. That’s 24 series and 138 episodes, so missing it completely is almost as amazing as its enduring presence. Spotting that it was heading to Theatre Royal Brighton and having never seen it I decided to not do any viewing research but come to it fresh. From the chatter in the audience, a packed theatre, I suspect I was the only Midsomer virgin. But for me that added to the evening, no preconceptions or expectations, a rare thing these days in a time when so much theatre is a revival or adaptations of novels and films. As of course is this novel to TV to stage, but for me, something fresh.
What I did know was that there would be death or indeed deaths and that Barnaby and sidekick Troy would have to unravel a complex case in a rural setting populated by rich people and eccentrics. There they all were, dodgy gardeners, a shifty doctor with a slutty wife, a gold digger, an artist, a creepy undertaker and his terrifying mother. Oddballs one an all, most of them hiding secrets, lying and behaving strangely. This stage version is based on the very first episode of Caroline Graham’s entry onto our screens. I expected it to be dark, the word killings in the title inspires that, but what I did not expect was to be so fully entertained. The whole, and I will not be giving any spoilers, is dark and complex, it is intriguing and full of mystery like any great whodunnit but it is also very funny indeed. The script has been crafted to include plenty of gags, a character is berated for trimming her front bush in an almost carry on moment, and when Barnaby declares that Midsomer has the lowest crime statistics in the county the audience roar with laughter.
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan
All this said it does not seem disrespectful, the plot works, we are not spared the gore and the shocks and I for one did not work out who had indeed dunnit unto the final moments.
The piece is character led and there are so many that the cast of seven and a trio of stage hands dressed as coppers, take on the lot. This they do very effectively, some rather more obvious than others but all clearly enjoying being a part of this very effective drama.
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan
Daniel Casey who played Sergeant Troy in the TV series has been promoted to Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby and delivers the role with a calm confidence that works so well, John Nettles I am sure would be proud. Stepping into his former role is James Bradwell. His Troy is a delightful, wide-eyed innocent, staring heavenward and deep in muddled thought. His best comic and most charming moment happens when the creepy undertaker hands him endless plates of fondant fancies and tea.
Nathalie Barclay, Chandrika Chevli, John Dougall, Julie Legrand Rupert Sadler Chris Agha and Rhîan Crowley-McClean take on all the other roles and forgive me for not making things any clearer as it would for sure spoil the experience. That said there is not a weak member in that cast and some truly excellent multi-tasking from them all. I suspect that for those sat further back in the theatre they would not have been aware of any duplicity.
Guy Unsworth’s script is excellent and his direction fast paced and seamless. David Woodhead’s set and costumes work so well, the simple concept and trucked in furnishings allow for the action to shift easily from place to place. Matt Haskins’ lighting cleverly shifts from reality to… well to murder mystery cinematic and Ella Wahllström’s sound design does the same, gently rural to positively Hitchcockian. Composer Max Pappenheim’s biography speaks for itself.
Am I tempted now to watch some of that canon of TV crime drama? Yes, I am drawn in and fascinated to see from where this totally enjoyable evening of entertainment has come from, maybe even dip into Caroline Graham’s original novel. This is cracking good fun, an excellent night of well crafted and performed theatre!
Andrew Kay
3 February
Theatre Royal Brighton
Rating:
