Review: Murder at Midnight

04/02/2026

Murder at Midnight, currently playing at The New Wolsey in Ipswich, is a hugely enjoyable murder mystery — and yes in this case, murder really is fun.

Written by Torben Betts, this murder farce is packed with dark humour, clever plotting, and plenty of theatrical flair. A brilliantly designed set allows the audience to follow the action across multiple rooms of a grand Kent mansion, all without the need for scene changes. The result is a fast-moving production with both dramatic and comic moments.

The story begins with the police attempting to unravel the events leading up to the discovery of several violent murders and multiple murder weapons. We are then taken back in time to see exactly what happened — and how everything spiralled out of control.

This play is the follow-up to Betts’ Murder in the Dark, and once again the Original Theatre Company have delivered a terrific evening of entertainment. Imagine Agatha Christie meeting classic Brian Rix farce: shock, horror, and plenty of laughter.

The cast features several familiar faces. Jason Durr is suitably menacing as gangster Jonny, while Susie Blake plays Shirley, his elderly mother, who may or may not be suffering from dementia. Max Bowden brings excellent comic energy as Paul, a bumbling undercover policeman investigating Jonny’s crimes. He does so by befriending Lisa, Jonny’s girlfriend, played by Katie McGlynn.

With such a colourful cast of characters, the list of suspects is already long — but the chaos doesn’t stop there. Throw in a psychotic henchman, a foreign care-worker, a pistol-waving clown, and even an appearance by the devil, and it truly feels like anyone could have done it.

With sharp comedy timing and farce that builds at breakneck speed, Murder at Midnight is definitely one to see. Like all good farces, it all comes together in a whirlwind finale and a satisfying conclusion.