Midsomer Murders The Killings at Badger's Drift is filling auditoriums on an extensive UK tour until, at least, June 2026.
The Killings at Badger's Drift was Caroline Graham's first book about the idyllic fictional English county of Midsomer, where murder abounds.
It is nearing 400 to date.
The Killings at Badger's Drift was also the episode in the mega-popular Midsomer Murders TV series that has recently finished airing series 23, and with series 24 awaiting broadcast in the UK and two more series set to follow.
Theatregoers to this stage production of the story will be inevitably be lured by a warm acquaintance with Midsomer Murders itself.
That said they will enjoy a hugely enjoyable evening in the theatre that stands on its own merit.
Theatregoers to this stage production of the story will inevitably be lured by a warm acquaintance with Midsomer Murders itself.
That said they will enjoy a hugely enjoyable evening in the theatre that stands on its own merit.
When elderly spinster Emily is found dead in the quintessential English village of Badger's Drift, her long-time and devoted friend Lucy refuses to accept it was an accident.
She bullies DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy to investigate and they, unsurprisingly, discover a village teeming with passions, secrets and rivalries. And murder!
The production flows seamlessly through dozens of scenes, which is quite a feat for a touring production.
Each member of the cast, but for Barnaby and Troy, play several parts.
Were the whole cast not so excellent and the production not so slick, The Killings at Badger's Drift could have been a 'hammy mess'.
As it is we are treated to a fine theatrical 'yarn' that is fast moving, witty, often openly funny while also being unexpectedly dramatic in places.
It makes for a warm and enjoyable evening in the theatre that was greatly enjoyed by a complete cross section of an audience.
And though one should not highlight any member of this fine cast, it is worth noting that Daniel Casaey, who plays Barnaby, was the original Troy in that first TV episode of The Killings at Badger's Drift.
More information including tour dates.
The Storyhouse, Chester
We were lucky enough to see The Killings at Badger's Drift in The Storyhouse Chester, which is housed in a stunningly restored and 1930s Odeon building.
This vibrant, multi-purpose centre offers a main 800-seat auditorium along with a studio theatre, restaurant, bars and independent cinema.
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