Midsomer Murders – The Killings at Badger’s Drift – Gaiety Theatre – Review

Dates: 2nd Jun. – 6th Jun.

For the Cast List and other information, please click here.

Welcome to the quiet and peaceful village of Badger’s Drift. It’s not really a village at all, just two small roads and a handful of houses. It’s the type of place where everybody knows everybody else’s business. It’s also the perfect place for murder! When the elderly Emily Simpson is found dead, everybody assumes it is from natural causes. That is, until her friend, Lucy Bellringer (Julie Legrand), starts to kick up quite a fuss. She gets in contact with Inspector Barnaby (Daniel Casey), along with his sidekick Sergeant Troy (James Bradwell), who start to investigate.

This is a theatre production based on the much-loved detective series of the same name. The show starred John Nettles as DCI Tom Barnaby, and Daniel Casey
as Sargent Gavin Troy. In this production, Daniel Casey has stepped up to the lead role, taking the part of Inspector Barnaby.

The Chief Inspector Barnaby book series was written by Caroline Graham, with the first book, The Killings at Badger’s Drift, published in 1987. It was adapted for television by Anthony Horowitz and Douglas Watkinson, with the first episode airing in 1998, again exploring Badger’s Drift. This third iteration of the tale, the stage adaptation, was written and directed by Guy Unsworth.

The main difference between this production and the TV sleuth is humour. This production doesn’t take itself too seriously and is well aware of just how high the body count is in this sleepy little village! There are gags throughout, and in the performances as well, with a number of the female parts played by men, and vice versa. This adds a touch of pantomime to the proceedings, which works surprisingly well! The main cast has 7 actors, and other than the two detectives, each actor plays several parts and is made to work for their supper!

As with all productions based on well-established TV detectives, there is an audience already in place. This production is aimed firmly at those who know and love the character, and gives them a chance to see Daniel Casey up close and personal. If you’re not a fan of the original, the comedy and lampooning of the genre is good-natured and feisty. The story gives all the characters motive and access to have carried out the murder, so it will keep you guessing until the final scene.