The lights went down at the New Theatre last night as MURDER AT MIDNIGHT, a new comedy thriller by Torben Betts, made its Cardiff debut. Directed by Philip Franks, who was last seen here as the Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show., the production delivers a gleefully chaotic mix of suspense, absurdity, and sharp-timed comedy that kept us both laughing and second-guessing what would happen next.
Before a single line was spoken, the stage design itself set the tone. The set, a multi-function home with its living room, kitchen, office, bedroom, and patio, was a marvel of detail and movement. You could almost smell the burnt toast from the kitchen, or sense the tension building behind the office door where ‘dark deeds happen.’ And yes, that is Robbie Williams memorabilia all over the walls. The design cleverly allowed the action to flow quickly from one room to another, creating the perfect playground for a story that’s part thriller, part farce, and entirely entertaining.
The cast, a mix of television favourites and theatre regulars, clearly relished every moment. JASON DURR, familiar to many from Heartbeat and Casualty, plays Jonny “The Cyclops,” a character whose name alone hints at the absurdity to come. Jason leans into the part with a knowing twinkle, switching from swaggering bravado to nervous confusion in seconds. Opposite him, SUSIE BLAKE, beloved for her work on Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV and Coronation Street, is outstanding as Shirley. Her comic timing is razor-sharp, and she has a knack for landing a punchline with a casual flick of the wrist or a withering look that had the audience roaring.
MAX BOWDEN, best known as Ben Mitchell in EastEnders, brings intensity and energy as Paul, balancing the mayhem with moments of genuine dramatic tension. KATIE MCGLYNN, also a Coronation Street alum and known from Hollyoaks, shines as Lisa, the kind of character who seems innocent until you realise she’s several steps ahead of everyone else. Their scenes together bristle with tension and wit.
The supporting cast add plenty of colour. Callum Balmforth’s Russell provides a wonderful mix of cluelessness and heart; Peter Moreton’s Trainwreck (a name he more than lives up to) is a comic highlight; and Iryna Poplavska’s Cristina gives the show a touch of mystery that keeps you guessing. Bella Farr and Andy McLeod round out the ensemble as police officers and understudies, keeping the pace tight and the energy constant.
As the story unfolds, Murder at Midnight becomes a cleverly tangled web of secrets, betrayals, and misunderstandings. The comedy comes thick and fast, sometimes broad, sometimes subtle, and at times it feels like an old-fashioned farce. Characters rush in and out of rooms, hide behind furniture, and whisper secrets that are inevitably overheard. There are moments where the audience can barely keep up, but that’s half the fun. You really do need to keep your wits about you to follow every twist and turn.
Philip Franks’ direction keeps everything balanced, never letting the chaos slide into confusion. He understands that farce only works when it’s played with absolute seriousness, and the result is a show that’s as sharp as it is silly. Torben Betts’ script walks the line beautifully between thriller and comedy, poking fun at the conventions of both genres while still delivering genuine suspense.
By the final curtain, Murder at Midnight had the Cardiff audience cheering, laughing, and still trying to piece together who did what and why. It’s clever without being pretentious, funny without being forced, and thrilling without taking itself too seriously.
If you like your mysteries with a side of laughter and a dash of chaos, Murder at Midnight is well worth catching. It’s a riotous night of theatre that proves murder and mirth can make surprisingly good bedfellows.
The show is at the New Theatre in Cardiff through to Saturday 8th November. Performances are at 7:30pm with a 2:30pm matinee on Wednesday and Saturday. For details and tickets go HERE.
You can read our original feature HERE.
