"Midsomer Murders: The Killings At Badger's Drift" based on the novel by Caroline Graham and the TV series. 

Adapted for the stage and Directed by Guy Unsworth.

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

This is the first time that the iconic TV show "Midsomer Murders" has been developed for a stage play. There's always a sneaking suspicion that, after being such a successful run on TV, that a stage play may just fall a bit flat, but that is not the case here because I loved it. It's like a cover version of a catchy tune; if you're going to do it, do it, but with a difference. We get all the things we expect from the TV show; a murder, clues, red herrings, plus we get a lot of humour, and when I say humour, I mean proper laughs, not just wry smiling as when watching the TV programme.

When well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident. DCI Tom Barnaby and Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries.

Daniel Casey, who played the part of Sergeant Troy in the TV series plays Inspector Tom Barnaby and James Bradwell, who you may recognise from his role as Lord Basilio in "Bridgerton", plays Troy. There's a lot of comedy delivered by these two, especially near the end just as they are revealing who did it, or who Troy thought had done it, which in turn provided the solution to Barnaby.

I am not going to go to much into the roles or the storyline because I don't want to give any spoilers about what actually happens and who does what to whom. Just let me say that, even though I did the culprit right, it wasn't until near the end when the clues started to be revealed.

The residents of Midsomer will be played by an ensemble of actors: Nathalie Barclay (Judy Lessiter/Katherine Lacey), Chandrika Chevli (Barbara Lessiter/Dr Bullard/Dickie Whitely), John Dougall (Trevor Lessiter/Iris Rainbird/Henry Trace), Julie Legrand (Lucy Bellringer/Terry Bazeley/Phillis Cadell), Rupert Sadler (Dennis Rainbird/Michael Lacey), Chris Agha and Rhîan Crowley-McLean (Ensemble). there are some pretty quick costume changes that enable the actors to play the various characters, as well as a brilliant double character scene!

Set and Costume design is by David Woodhead. The opening shows one of those old-fashioned signposts pointing the way to various villages and at the back of the stage there's a large round window where we can see the village. This scene also changes regularly to show other scenes and parts of the village. Dropped in flat scenery and remote control props slide smoothly on and off set, which makes the scene changes smooth and very fast, almost giving it that cinematic/tv effect.

Company Stage Manager is Dominic Whiffin, Deputy Stage Manager is Jodie day and Assistant Stage Manager is Amber Waller.

Writer and Director is Guy Unsworth who gives us one of the better TV to Stage productions I've seen. The additional comedy elements really take the show to another level, at times it almost seems like a spoof, but still retaining the special elements that make the TV show the popular hit it was and still is.

Lighting design by Matt Haskins. The scene where the double character is on stage is made so effective due to the lighting, which I don't want to spoil by elaborating on it, but accentuates the comedy in the scene.

Sound design by Ella Wahlström. The sound bites and effect cues are perfectly timed and I love the scene where the "Midsomer" theme is played as if in a dream sequence with Barnaby as things start to fall into place. Music by Max Pappenheim.

If you love the TV series, you will adore this production. If you love murder/mysteries that don't take themselves that seriously, you'll love this show. Basically, if you love a good theatre show, you'll love this production. To be frank, just get a ticket for the show for a wonderful evening's entertainment.

"Midsomer Murders" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 28 February.