Midsomer Murders: The Killings At Badger’s Drift At Derby Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Alexander Wilde
Welcome to Midsomer – Derby Theatre’s stage has been transformed into the bucolic and idyllic Badger’s Drift. A locale which requires little introduction: this fictional county, whose charming towns and villages are England’s most deadly in which to reside, is, of course, the setting for ‘Midsomer Murders’.
Originating as a collection of quintessentially British whodunit novels written by Caroline Graham, the series is best known for the much-loved television adaptions which has been captivating audiences for an astonishing 29 years. Charmingly, almost forty years since the publication of the ‘Killing’s at Badger’s Drift’, Graham’s inaugural tale, adapted and directed by Guy Unsworth, is now embarking on its debut theatrical tour throughout the UK. The reviews are clear – on stage, it’s killing it too!
The play revolves around the untimely death of Badger’s Drift resident Emily Simpson. This gentle, orchid-loving octogenarian, is found dead in her ‘chocolate-box cottage’, on first appearances it appears she died of natural causes. However, her lifelong friend, and near-neighbour, Lucy Bellringer, refuses to believe that her death was a simple accident. Knowing Emily as well as she knows herself, and armed with some interesting “evidence”, Lucy persuades the police to investigate. What unfolds is a delightfully tangled web of secrets, suspicions, shadowy motives and saucy shenanigans populated by a cast of quirky characters, all lurking just beneath Midsomer’s picture-perfect façade.
Investigating the crimes are Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby (Daniel Casey) and Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy (James Bradwell). Casey was the original actor to play Troy in the TV series, from 1997 to 2003, and returns with aplomb to navigate the world of eclectic, eccentric characters and their most egregious motives.
Watching Barnaby and Troy on stage, I was struck by how perfectly their dynamic captured the essence of the original onscreen duo, yet still feeling entirely fresh. No matter how big the personalities around him, he effortlessly connected with those he investigated. Unlike some fictional detectives, Barnaby is human, and very much fallible – the kind of character whom you feel genuine warmth for and whose triumphs are earned. Casey’s presence on stage is commanding, yet he carries it with a generosity and subtle humour that made him feel as though he was guiding the audience through every twist and turn as we processed the clues together.
Troy, by contrast, had me chuckling from the very first scene. Watching him take in the eccentric residents of Midsomer with wide-eyed astonishment was like seeing the village through fresh eyes. His outsider perspective brought a sense of curiosity and occasional misjudgement that added a lively counterpoint to Barnaby’s composed authority. But it wasn’t just fun and games, beneath those expressions of bewilderment, I could see Troy’s loyalty to both Barnaby and his adoration of his mentor shining through. Bradwell brought him to life in a way that felt effortless, combining humour, energy, and genuine devotion in equal measure.
The two leads were accompanied on stage by a remarkable wider cast. Watching them switch between multiple characters in the blink of an eye, changing costume, accent, and demeanour with incredible timing, was a constant joy. Each transformation felt effortless yet full of personality, from the suspicious to the scandalous, each role fully realised in just moments. I found myself marvelling at the dexterity required. Their energy was exceptional, and it made the village feel alive – bustling with quirks, secrets, and oddities that drew me into the Midsomer world. There was also a wonderful rhythm to the ensemble work: the cast played off each other’s timing with precision, creating moments of comedy, tension, and surprise that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was clear that every actor relished the challenge, making the world of Badger’s Drift feel as vivid, eccentric, and dangerously charming as ever.
Humour was threaded throughout, balancing moments of violence with hearty laughs, witty observations, and cheeky puns. I found myself grinning at Troy’s bemusement and the eccentricities of the villagers, while still gripped as the plot twisted and darkened. It was a rare treat to see a production that could juggle murder, mischief, and merriment with such skill, never allowing one to undermine the other.
One of the pleasures of this production was the inventive stagecraft. The set feels wonderfully adaptable, suggesting multiple locations: from cosy village gardens to shadowy woods – with pieces sliding and wheeling into place effortlessly. A clever multi purpose window upstage reveals new vistas of the village, acting as both backdrop and narrative device, simultaneously capturing the quaint countryside and giving the action a cinematic quality. Lighting is used with precision, shifting from warm, inviting washes for garden scenes to colder, sharper tones as the mystery deepens, subtly guiding the audience’s mood. Scene changes often happen in plain sight, with actors and props moving seamlessly under changing lights, turning functional transitions into playful theatre in motion.
Moments of physical comedy are threaded throughout: wheeled chairs, popping signposts, and miniature sets add sly humour that perfectly matches the show’s tongue-in-cheek tone. Sound and effects complement the visuals, from touches of the familiar theme to crisp, atmospheric cues, creating a world that is both charming and just a little sinister.
Even signposts pointing to Causton or Ferne Bassett added a wink for fans of the television series.
For fans of the show, and for those who enjoy thrillers of the highest calibre, this production is unmissable. It honours the TV legacy while offering fresh twists, mischievous humour, and the tangible oddness of village life. Hanging baskets and hedgerows, picket fences and picnics – it’s Midsomer at its most charming, deadly, and deliciously entertaining.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets are great value, starting at £27
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift at Derby Theatre Review is on Stage until Saturday 28th March 2026, for more information or to book tickets visit derbytheatre.co.uk or call the box office on Box Office: 01332 593939
It would be crime to miss this production. Full tour information available at midsomeronstage.com
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter’s Quarter, Derby, DE1 2NF
Having just celebrated its 50th Anniversary in style, Derby Theatre is something of a quiet gem within the city. Set just off the main Derbion shopping centre it is an integral part of Derby’s cultural fabric. A genuine welcome is guaranteed and getting to the venue is straightforward, whether it be by foot, bus or car.
The foyer is open and unpretentious. A particular highlight is the ground floor café, offering a tempting selection of savoury and sweet treats that makes it just as inviting for a daytime visit as an evening performance. There is a genuine sense of warmth here, both in the space itself and in the welcome offered by staff. The bar and concession areas are well organised and efficiently run, with prices in keeping with regional theatre expectations. Seating throughout the auditorium is comfortable with good sightlines. It is a theatre that invites you to settle in, feel part of the experience, and return.