If you’re looking for a night of gleeful chaos, razor-sharp comedy, and enough twists to keep you guessing until the final curtain, hold onto your seats because Murder at Midnight delivers in spades.
This autumn, acclaimed playwright Torben Betts and Original Theatre debut this fast-paced cocktail of murder mystery and farce that has audiences laughing, gasping, and occasionally jumping out of their seats.
Set against the backdrop of a luxurious mansion on New Year’s Eve, the clock ticks ominously toward midnight as secrets unravel and bodies fall. This is a New Year’s Eve like no other, as glamour and intrigue spiral into a blood-soaked frenzy of betrayal, mistaken identities, and dark humour. Think Feydeau meets Tarantino, and then add a dash of Robbie Williams, just for good measure.
The production boasts a star-studded cast of television favourites and seasoned stage performers. Jason Durr (Heartbeat, Casualty) is magnetic as Jonny “The Cyclops,” a cockney drug baron and pig farmer whose swagger hides a web of secrets, including the suspicious disappearance of his ex-wife.
Susie Blake (Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV, Coronation Street) steals scenes as Shirley, Jonny’s somewhat senile but proud mother. Her impeccable comedic timing and deadpan delivery provoke guffaws, and mask the dark complexity of her character.
Paul, an undercover policeman whose incompetence is matched only by his determination, is portrayed by Max Bowden (EastEnders). Bowden balances his superb physical comedy with intensity and vulnerability creating a character who’s likeability makes up for what he lacks in sharpness. Katie McGlynn (Coronation Street, Hollyoaks) shines as Lisa, Jonny’s glamorous girlfriend, who is on a quest for comfort which leads her into the arms of trouble. Her childlike energy and enthusiasm contradict the troubled layers of her unpredictable character.
Strong support comes from Callum Balmforth as the hapless Russell and Peter Moreton as the aptly named Trainwreck, a name he more than lives up to. Iryna Poplavska wows as Cristina, Shirley’s carer, adding an enigmatic presence to the intrigue. Bella Farr and Andy McLeod round out the ensemble as police officers investigating the host of murders and mayhem
Director Philip Franks keeps the pace brisk and energy high, ensuring the two-hour performance never drags. Colin Falconer’s split-level set is a triumph.
An opulent home cleverly designed to allow seamless transitions between rooms, amplifying the sense of chaos as characters and scenes dart from one space to another. Jason Taylor’s lighting and Max Pappenheim’s sound design, complete with Robbie Williams tracks, add layers of atmosphere, while the occasional gunshot jolts the audience out of their seats.
Murder at Midnight thrives on its unpredictability. Just when you think you’ve cracked the case, Betts throws in another curveball. The dialogue is peppered with laugh-out-loud one-liners, and the physical comedy is executed with precision. Yes, some characters lean toward caricature, but that’s part of the fun on this rollercoaster ride production.
If you enjoy your thrillers served with a generous helping of comedy and a side of absurdity, this is one not to miss, Murder at Midnight is pure escapism. Book your tickets for a delightfully chaotic and unapologetically over-the-top evening.
Tickets for Murder at Midnight at Cardiff’s New Theatre start from £17. To book, visit trafalgartickets.com.
