From Screen to Stage: Previewing Midsomer Murders – The Killings at Badger’s Drift

Written by Katie Barr

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The idyllic, blood-stained county of Midsomer is preparing to trade the small screen for the spotlight as England’s deadliest county comes to the stage for the very first time. From Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th February, the Theatre Royal Nottingham will host the world premier tour of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift. This gripping new production, adapted and directed by the acclaimed Guy Unsworth, brings the legendary DCI Tom Barnaby and his trusty sidekick, Sergeant Gavin Troy, face to face with a live audience in a classic whodunnit designed to keep theatre goers on the edge of their seats. 

Based on Caroline Graham’s award-winning 1987 novel, which launched the global television phenomenon that has spanned 24 seasons, the story begins in the seemingly tranquil village of Badger’s Drift. When the well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in her home, the local authorities are quick to dismiss it as a tragic accident. However, her friend Lucy Bellringer remains unconvinced, sparking an investigation that forces Barnaby and Troy to peel back the picturesque layers of village life. Beneath the surface of flower shows and tea parties, they uncover a treacherous world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets, and deadly rivalries. 

The production has already garnered praise from Midsomer royalty, with John Nettles, the original Inspector Barnaby, expressing his thrill and anticipation at seeing the exploits of Badger’s drift brought to life on stage. Caroline Graham herself has lauded Unsworth’s adaption as ‘fast-paced and witty’, noting that it contains every element an audience craves: bizarre murders and a beautiful, haunting setting. To capture the chilling suspense and wit of the series, the creative team includes designer David Woodhead and lighting designer Matt Haskins, ensuring the stage is set for an unforgettable reveal. 

For fans in Nottingham, this tour stop represents a unique opportunity to witness a piece of television history reinvented for the theatre. With the TV series having been sold to over 200 territories worldwide, the arrival of this state adaption is a major event for local fans and visitors alike. Whether you a lifelong devotee to the Barnaby series or a newcomer to the cosy, mystery genre, this production promises to deliver the shocking twists and eccentric characters that have made Midsomer Murders a global institution for nearly three decades. 

Tickets are now on sale. Don’t miss your chance to see Inspector Barnaby in action as he attempts to solve one of Midsomer’s most infamous cases in person. Not in Nottingham, check out the rest of the tour to see if it comes near you here. 

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All content is original to The Literary Lounge.

In-article images credited to Manuel Harlan. No changes were made to these images. 

Featured Image provided by Theatre Royal Nottingham.

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