The iconic world of Midsomer Murders has made a thrilling transition from screen to stage, with The Killings at Badger's Drift now captivating audiences at Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. This inventive production marks the first ever theatrical adaptation of Caroline Graham's original 1987 Barnaby novel, which famously spawned the globally successful television series.
A Fresh Theatrical Take on a Classic Mystery
Adapted by Guy Unsworth, this stage version offers a playful and affectionate homage rather than a straightforward retelling of the classic murder mystery. The production cleverly utilises quick-change characters and costumes to maintain momentum while injecting a distinctive theatricality that both honours and reimagines the source material. Daniel Casey, who originally portrayed Sergeant Troy in the television series, returns to the Midsomer universe in the pivotal role of DCI Barnaby, bringing a calm yet watchful presence to the stage.
Staging That Captures the Midsomer Spirit
The production design successfully evokes the quintessential English village atmosphere with versatile sets that seamlessly transition between woodland vistas and interior scenes. This visual fluidity, combined with deft stage direction, keeps the narrative engaging and the mood surprisingly buoyant given the subject matter. While the adaptation incorporates familiar theme music that will delight long-time fans, it's the production's bold theatrical approach that introduces a fresh dynamic to the well-loved story.
Unsworth's adaptation doesn't aim for gritty realism but rather creates what might best be described as an affectionate homage with playful exaggeration. The result is a production that lightens the mood with what one might call buoyant brutality, offering audiences a nostalgic journey toward the inevitable conclusion rather than an edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Additional Cultural Highlights in Surrey
The theatrical excitement in Surrey extends beyond Midsomer Murders, with two other notable productions generating significant buzz among local arts enthusiasts.
Guildford Shakespeare Company's David Copperfield
The Guildford Shakespeare Company is preparing to present a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford from February 6th. This production, which previously earned critical acclaim during its London run, features just three actors who skilfully portray multiple characters. Dickens himself held particular affection for this novel, considering it his favourite child, and the production has already received glowing reviews from major publications including The Times.
Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes Returns to Woking
Sir Matthew Bourne's acclaimed dance drama The Red Shoes is set to return to Woking's New Victoria Theatre on February 22nd. This sumptuous production, which tells the story of a dancer's obsessive ambition, originally captivated audiences during its 2020 visit with its lavish staging and inventive score drawn from the golden age of American musicals. The production's previous success suggests another sell-out run is likely, continuing Bourne's tradition of attracting diverse and enthusiastic audiences to his innovative dance works.
These three productions collectively demonstrate the vibrant state of performing arts in Surrey, offering local audiences diverse theatrical experiences ranging from classic mystery adaptations to innovative dance dramas and literary reinterpretations.
