A theatrical adaptation of Midsomer Murders' earliest novel is a welcome addition to British touring theatre. Writer-director Guy Unsworth brings Caroline Graham's source novel, The Killings at Badger's Drift, to life on stage with an all-star cast that play multiple suspects and victims in trios of costumes and genders, showcasing their impressive versatility.
As the latest telly detective to hit the theatres, DCI John Barnaby is a staple of ITV prime-time programming, having occupied 28 years of screen time. Unsworth's production starts at the first novel, which introduces us to a horticulturist found dead in her kitchen, prompting Barnaby to challenge the local GP's initial verdict and lead him down a rabbit hole of shifty village eccentrics.
The adaptation has cleverly incorporated stage equivalents of TV's quick-cut editing style, with actors seamlessly sliding on and off trucks and even playing dual roles almost simultaneously. Unsworth's use of interval is also well-served, allowing the audience to catch their breath before another murder or dramatic revelation unfolds.
One notable touch is the production's nuanced handling of a 2011 controversy surrounding the show's multiculturalism, with DS Troy, played by British-Filipino actor James Bradwell, facing some stereotypical attitudes from Badger's Drift bigots. The adaptation also cleverly subverts expectations, such as in an allusion to Barnaby's annual appraisal that might make for a rather gruesome discussion.
While the production leans into comedy and wit, it's clear Unsworth is aiming to explore new territory with its approach. By embracing elements of panto and Greek tragedy, this could be a winning formula, given the core winter forms of British theatre are built around crime stories and cross-dressed comic grotesques.
In short, Midsomer Murders fans will have a ball on this UK tour, with huge pleasures to be had by both new and existing enthusiasts.
As the latest telly detective to hit the theatres, DCI John Barnaby is a staple of ITV prime-time programming, having occupied 28 years of screen time. Unsworth's production starts at the first novel, which introduces us to a horticulturist found dead in her kitchen, prompting Barnaby to challenge the local GP's initial verdict and lead him down a rabbit hole of shifty village eccentrics.
The adaptation has cleverly incorporated stage equivalents of TV's quick-cut editing style, with actors seamlessly sliding on and off trucks and even playing dual roles almost simultaneously. Unsworth's use of interval is also well-served, allowing the audience to catch their breath before another murder or dramatic revelation unfolds.
One notable touch is the production's nuanced handling of a 2011 controversy surrounding the show's multiculturalism, with DS Troy, played by British-Filipino actor James Bradwell, facing some stereotypical attitudes from Badger's Drift bigots. The adaptation also cleverly subverts expectations, such as in an allusion to Barnaby's annual appraisal that might make for a rather gruesome discussion.
While the production leans into comedy and wit, it's clear Unsworth is aiming to explore new territory with its approach. By embracing elements of panto and Greek tragedy, this could be a winning formula, given the core winter forms of British theatre are built around crime stories and cross-dressed comic grotesques.
In short, Midsomer Murders fans will have a ball on this UK tour, with huge pleasures to be had by both new and existing enthusiasts.
it's great that they're tackling the multiculturalism controversy in a nuanced way too. gotta love how versatile the actors are, playing multiple roles at once 
and can't wait to see how Unsworth blends panto and Greek tragedy to create something fresh 
I'm not exactly surprised the latest Midsomer Murders adaptation is getting rave reviews... Another long-running telly detective taking over the theatres means more opportunities for 'twisty whodunits' that'll keep you guessing, but ultimately won't change the formula. And let's be real, we've seen this same tired setup play out in so many other British crime dramas 
. The fact that they're trying to 'subvert expectations' with some panto-esque elements just feels like a rehash of everything we already know 
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. And omg, the way they've incorporated TV-style editing into the performance? Genius 
. But what really caught my attention was how well they handled the multiculturalism controversy - it's so refreshing to see a production tackling tough issues with sensitivity and nuance 
. Overall, I'm low-key excited for this UK tour and can't wait to grab some tickets and get tangled up in the world of Midsomer Murders 
! guy unsworth's approach is genius - trios of costumes and genders playing multiple suspects & victims? mind blown 
and i love how he cleverly tackles controversy, especially with james bradwell's character DS troy. it's awesome to see a show that leans into comedy and wit while still exploring new territory 
. british theatre is all about crime stories and cross-dressed comic grotesques, so this adaptation feels like a natural fit 
. can't wait to catch the UK tour! 
And that clever use of interval to give the audience a breather between murders... genius! 
This production is going to be a real treat for fans of all ages, can't wait to catch it on tour! 
and can we talk about the stage equivalent of those quick-cut edits? 
it's like they're speaking my language over here!!
they r doing trios of costumes & genders 
itll b so much fun 2 watch 
plus, its great 2 see a more nuanced handling of stereotypes 
gotta check out this production ASAP 
- it's so refreshing to see a show tackling those sorts of issues head-on. Can't wait to get my hands on some tix and experience this whodunit extravaganza for myself 
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. And hey, who knows, maybe this will be the start of something new in British theatre? A murder mystery panto-Greek tragedy hybrid? Sign me up! 
. And the casting? Top notch, love how they play multiple suspects and victims at once, showcases their range as actors 
. And the fact that they're embracing elements of panto and Greek tragedy? 
That's just pure genius! I'm definitely going to be checking this out when it hits the UK tour 
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. also, I'm intrigued by this panto/Greek tragedy combo - here's hoping it sets a new standard for British theatre crime dramas 
also loved the nod to that 2011 controversy, it shows the production really cares about representation and not just phoning it in.
! The fact that they're adaptin' the first novel is genius, gotta give a shoutout to Guy Unsworth for doin' such an amazin' job with this production 
! And don't even get me started on the clever use of interval – it's like they're givin' you a breather between murders 
. The way they're handle-in' stereotypes too is so on point 
. Can't wait to see this production live and experience the thrill for myself!