Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Writer: Caroline Graham

Adapter and Director: Guy Unsworth

In the small, quintessentially, English village of Badger’s Drift in the County of Midsomer, Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and his assistant Sergeant Gavin Troy are approached by the elderly Miss Bellringer to investigate a possible murder. What starts as a potential murder leads to a spate of killings. The suspect must be one of the villagers. The police have their work cut out. There are many twists and turns in the unravelling of the tale as they discover the many devious, secretive pursuits of the village inhabitants. There are a multitude of suspects as they seek to find whodunnit.

From the very successful television series based on the novels of Caroline Graham, now in her 94^th year, Guy Unsworth has adapted, rewritten and brought to the stage the first of the Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift. This is the world premiere of the theatrical adaption.

Daniel Casey, as Inspector Tom Barnaby, played Sergeant Troy in the original television series. He is perfect in the role of the thoughtful, clever detective with James Bradwell playing Sergeant Troy. The pair are on stage for most of the performance discussing the various possible suspects. The role of the young aspiring sergeant plays a perfect foil against the wise inspector. The sergeant dutifully has his notepad always at the ready, as the inspector comes out with profound comments.

The other, very talented cast members play a multitude of roles with swift costume changes. Julie Legrand is so amusing as the eccentric Miss Bellringer as well as in other roles. All the very different characters in the play are wonderfully over the top and outlandish. Each one of the village inhabitants could be the murderer, each with a possible motive for keeping their guilty secrets from the other inhabitants of Badger’s Drift. Indeed, each could be the next victim. It is entertaining and intriguing, and along with Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby and Sargent Troy, the audience are kept speculating.

There are a wide range of locations and scenes. Different sets are flown in from above or are carried on or off by the police. There is never a dull moment. The sets add to the drama and amusement, as murdered corpses are wheeled on or carried off and seated suspects are creepily slid off stage. Eerie lighting effects and the music all go to creating the parody and suspense.

It is no wonder that the television series of Midsomer Murders was such a success and the transition to the stage does not disappoint. The play is great fun and entertainment; a modern day melodramatic detective story.

Runs until Saturday 29 November 2025