Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift is an entertaining adaptation, with writer-director Guy Unsworth bringing Caroline Graham's source novel to life. The show follows DCI Barnaby as he investigates the murder of a horticulturist in her kitchen, which leads him to overturn the local GP's verdict of old age after interviewing shifty village eccentrics.
The production cleverly utilizes the interval between scenes, using stage equivalents of TV cuts and actors sliding in on trucks. The cast, including John Dougall and Nathalie Barclay, deliver performances that are both humorous and intriguing. Unsworth's approach is loving to its source material, but occasionally takes risks with language and tone.
One notable example is an allusion to Barnaby's annual appraisal with the chief constable, which is delivered in a way that would have ITV up before the regulator. Another daring touch is the use of verbal language, with words like "Constable" and "Picasso" being used in ways that would be considered edgy by television standards.
The production is part of a larger trend of British touring theatre shows bringing TV detectives to life on stage. Shows such as Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts and Hercule Poirot in Death on the Nile have been touring the UK, and Midsomer Murders is next. For fans of the programme, there will be huge pleasures to be had on this tour.
However, Unsworth's approach may also raise eyebrows among some audiences. The production's use of cross-dressed comic grotesques and its exploration of homicidal panto may be seen as daring or even shocking by some. Nevertheless, for those familiar with the TV series, there will be plenty to enjoy about this adaptation, including its witty dialogue and clever staging.
Ultimately, Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift is a harmless form of entertainment that is sure to delight fans of the programme. If you're new to the series, it may not be for everyone, but if you're already hooked, this production is well worth watching - or rather, watching on stage.
The production cleverly utilizes the interval between scenes, using stage equivalents of TV cuts and actors sliding in on trucks. The cast, including John Dougall and Nathalie Barclay, deliver performances that are both humorous and intriguing. Unsworth's approach is loving to its source material, but occasionally takes risks with language and tone.
One notable example is an allusion to Barnaby's annual appraisal with the chief constable, which is delivered in a way that would have ITV up before the regulator. Another daring touch is the use of verbal language, with words like "Constable" and "Picasso" being used in ways that would be considered edgy by television standards.
The production is part of a larger trend of British touring theatre shows bringing TV detectives to life on stage. Shows such as Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts and Hercule Poirot in Death on the Nile have been touring the UK, and Midsomer Murders is next. For fans of the programme, there will be huge pleasures to be had on this tour.
However, Unsworth's approach may also raise eyebrows among some audiences. The production's use of cross-dressed comic grotesques and its exploration of homicidal panto may be seen as daring or even shocking by some. Nevertheless, for those familiar with the TV series, there will be plenty to enjoy about this adaptation, including its witty dialogue and clever staging.
Ultimately, Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift is a harmless form of entertainment that is sure to delight fans of the programme. If you're new to the series, it may not be for everyone, but if you're already hooked, this production is well worth watching - or rather, watching on stage.
I'm not sure if I'd be interested in watching it live, but for fans of the TV show, it must be a dream come true. They do mention that some parts might be edgy or shocking, but I think that's part of what makes it exciting! 
Like how they did with Inspector Morse's House of Ghosts... what's with the panto vibes in Midsomer Murders though? 
Do people think it's cheesy or do I just not get it? 
. I mean, who needs real theatre when you can just recreate the same old formula with a few clever camera tricks and some over-the-top dialogue? The production's attempts to be "daring" are just laughable - using words like "Constable" in a dramatic way? Give me a break 
. Overall, I'd say this production is just another example of lazy entertainment catering to people who are too easily amused 
The cast's performances are just what I'd expect from John Dougall and Nathalie Barclay - funny, intriguing & totally believable 
Who wouldn't want to watch DCI Barnaby sleuth it out on stage? And the production team's willingness to take some risks with language and tone is really admirable 
The show's part of a cool trend too, bringing TV detectives to life on stage 
. But what really caught my attention was the way they handled some of the more... let's say "mature" themes 
. Not everyone might be comfortable with it, but for fans of the show, it's definitely worth checking out 
. The staging was top-notch too! John Dougall and Nathalie Barclay did a great job as DCI Barnaby and Dr. Laura Thompson 
. Overall, I'd say its a fun adaptation that's sure to entertain