There is something wonderfully satisfying about a murder mystery that refuses to take itself too seriously, and Murder at Midnight at the Theatre Royal Bath does exactly that.
Written by acclaimed playwright Torben Betts, the brand-new comedy thriller arrives in Bath following the success of his previous hit Murder in the Dark, and it delivers a thoroughly entertaining evening packed with laughs, suspense and a generous helping of deliciously dark humour.
Set on New Year’s Eve in a secluded house in Kent, the story introduces us to a wonderfully eccentric group of characters who all find themselves trapped together as the clock ticks towards midnight.
Among them are the notorious gangster Jonny “The Cyclops” with an unhealthy adoration of Robbie Williams, his glamorous wife, a twitchy carer, a vicar who clearly has something to hide and a jittery burglar who has inexplicably chosen to dress as a clown.
Add a suitcase stuffed with cash, crossbows, guns, knives and the lingering shadow of an infamous unsolved murder and the stage is perfectly set for chaos.
The show opens on the crime scene in the early hours of New Year’s Day and then we rewind to see how the fateful night unfolds across a darkly humorous two hours.
The cast throw themselves wholeheartedly into the delicious absurdity of the story. Jason Durr leads the ensemble with confident ease, bringing both menace and comic timing to his role, while Susie Blake proves once again why she remains such a beloved presence on the British stage, delivering some of the evening’s most memorable lines with impeccable comic precision.
Television audiences will also recognise Max Bowden and Katie McGlynn, who both relish the opportunity to play larger-than-life characters in a script that gleefully leans into theatrical mischief.
Supporting performances from Callum Balmforth, Peter Moreton and Iryna Poplavska keep the pace lively, ensuring the audience is constantly guessing who might be the next suspect — or victim. Under the direction of Philip Franks, the production moves along at a brisk and confident pace.
The staging cleverly captures the claustrophobic tension of a house full of secrets, while Betts’ dialogue ensures the humour lands just as often as the plot twists. Audiences are called upon to focus throughout with several scenes playing out at the same time in different parts of the home.
Moments of genuine suspense are quickly punctured by witty one-liners or absurd revelations, creating an entertaining balance between thriller and farce.
There are plenty of surprises along the way and just when you think you have worked out who might be responsible for the impending crime, the script gleefully sends you in another direction. The result is a play that keeps the audience both laughing and guessing throughout.
Produced by Original Theatre, the show continues the company’s strong track record for slick touring productions, bringing polished performances and sharp writing to venues across the country.
For theatre-goers looking for a fun night out with a generous dose of mystery, Murder at Midnight delivers exactly what it promises. It’s playful, witty and wonderfully entertaining, delivering a clever blend of classic whodunnit and mischievous comedy that proves murder can be surprisingly funny.
If you enjoy a good mystery with a twist of dark humour, this lively production makes for a very enjoyable evening at the theatre. Murder at Midnight appears at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday 21 March.
For tickets visit the Theatre Royal Bath website or contact the Box Office on 01225 448844.
