Shh, don’t tell anyone, but we think that Midsomer Murders is even better on stage than it is on the television!
Midsomer Murders: The Killings At Badger’s Drift is running at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre until 16th May. We just shared an interview with one of the stars of the show, James Bradwell, who plays Detective Sergeant Troy, the under-valued sidekick to Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby (Daniel Casey). James had led us to expect a very well put together production with lots going on, some memorable characters, and twists and turns. He was right. His Sergeant Troy is, as he said, on stage a good deal, frequently making notes on his policeman’s pad, but he is also one of the cast showing a gift for comedy. In fact, the play, which absolutely did do spooky and creepy at times, is reminiscent of the British black comedy traditions which gave us movies such as Kind Hearts and Coronets and The Lavender Hill Mob.
So, here the curtains opened on a sweet, innocent, country vista that rapidly gave way to our meeting a small community in which the seven deadly sins were firmly at work. And with a few more thrown in for good measure. It didn’t take long for a murder to ensue, and for a few more characters to get the chop.
As Barnaby and Troy interrogate, cajole and persuade villager after villager to give up their secrets, their efforts are supported or thwarted by a cast that has several actors doubling up roles and doing a rather fine job of it.
Julie Legrand as Lucy Bellringer (plus 2!) might have stolen the show as a perky Miss Marple-like amateur sleuth, but she was used lightly enough that others could shine through, such as the vampish Barbara Lassiter (Chandrika Chevli, plus 2), and more. For example, John Dougall’s Iris Rainford was a reminder of Alastair Sim’s fabulous head teacher from the early St Trinian’s fims.
Often in murder mysteries one or two characters, particularly the lead detective, dominate the production. A joy of this version of Midsomer Murders is that everyone has their moments, often as two or three characters, making for an absorbing experience. Credit also goes to an excellent soundtrack and slick set, lighting and scenery. We haven’t even listed some of the actors significant to the plot and more of the plot itself, in order not to give too much away. At time of writing, there are three more nights in which you can see them for yourself. Why not?
Tickets here.
Darren and Jacqui Weale 13 May 2026
Bromley Buzz 