When well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident. DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries. ‘ Based on the novels in the Chief Inspector Barnaby book series created by Caroline Graham, midsummer murders first hit our TV screens back in 1997.
This production at the Lyceum Theatre took us back to Midsomer, the unfortunate fictional county in which you have a disproportionate chance of being elaborately murdered. Interestingly, the role of Inspector Barnaby is played by Daniel Casey, who was Barnaby’s sidekick DS Gavin Troy for the first 6 years of the TV series; Badgers Drift being the first ever episode.
From the outset, it is apparent that this is a highly theatrical and comedic production. As would be expected from a stage play starring John Nettle’s protege, the origins of the TV show are well represented. Guy Unsworth is the writer and Director who has worked alongside Producer Matthew Green. The writing, casting and direction are all superb.
With Midsomer being a picturesque, if deadly, county, the stage setting and costumes were always going to be key. Congratulations to the backstage team from stage management through to hair and makeup for creating a memorable theatrical experience. The set was as clever as it was spectacular and centred around a large round window at the rear of the stage. The window frame acted as a lens for the production and was used in various guises to set the scenes, recap, or progress the storyline. It was a backdrop to the multiple sets and props, which either appeared from above or glided miraculously across the stage. The set and props varied throughout the 2-hour 25-minute (including interval) duration of the show. The sliding sets were often used in amusing ways and became part of the storyline. Smaller props, such as a set of garden gnomes, were used to recreate a previous crime, relevant to the newer misdemeanours unfolding before our eyes. These visual aids and the recaps through the circular frame were important to keep track of the detailed but well-paced storyline.
There was even time for a surreal and abstract choreographed waltz between DCI Barnaby and some flying cadavers, to represent his internal confusion as he grappled with the mystery.
The acting was fantastic, with all but the two main actors having multiple or ensemble roles.
At one point, the detectives interviewed two of the characters so quickly that I couldn’t figure out how it was possible until Chandriki Chevli walked off the stage with a split 50/50 costume. Daniel Casey and James Bradwell form a great partnership dynamic; Casey has made the step up to DCI since he left the TV series over two decades ago.
This is an entertaining, funny and well-produced play, with exceptional staging, which will appeal to fans of Midsomer Murders, old and new.
Production run (The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield): 25– 29 November 2025
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/midsomer-murders/datesReviewer:
Reviewer - Matthew Burgin
On - 25 November 2025
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