Murder at Midnight is Torben Betts’ follow-up to his highly successful Murder in the Dark. In the programme notes he tells how the idea emerged after producers at Original Theatre company asked him to write another that could form a series of ‘Murder’ plays.
Susie Blake (Coronation Street and Mrs Brown’s Boys) has taken a key role in both plays. But her character is different. While this new play is in the same comedy, thriller/horror genre it isn’t a sequel, and you don’t need any knowledge of the first to enjoy the second.
If you have seen Murder in the Dark and enjoyed it, you will likely enjoy this. I’ve not seen the first but after last night’s performance it would definitely be on my list to see should it tour again.
Bett’s concept is pure escapism – so absurd at times, it is almost cartoonish. For years he has wanted to satirise cockney gangster culture, and this play has given him the vehicle to do this. Everything is extreme including the wild accents. How the actors keep them up for two-plus hours is a marvel.
The action opens on a blood-soaked scene of multiple murders. Like all tragedies we know from the start how it is going to end – although it doesn’t make the ride and how we get there any less thrilling.
Rewind 24 hours and we see Shirley (Susie Blake) chatting to her Romanian carer, Cristina (Iryna Poplavska). It all seems quite innocent until Shirley’s son, Jonny Cyclops (Jason Durr) returns home from business early and secrets begin to unravel from this colourful cast of characters.
Designer Colin Falconer’s multi-level open set allows the audience to see simultaneously into an open plan kitchen/lounge, terrace, office space and bedroom. This allows for farcical elements to thrive as characters move around the house hiding secrets from other characters.
When Jonny’s girlfriend, Lisa (Sinead Tinker in Coronation Street) returns from a party with a new man in tow (Max Bowden) little does she know her gangster partner is already home with his sidekick, Trainwreck (Peter Moreton). And there is more chaos to come when wannabe gangster Russell (Callum Balmforth) dons a clown mask to threaten his way to some of the gang’s drug stash.
Director Philip Franks keeps the action tight, and the terrific ensemble cast mean there is never a dull moment. The cast’s comedy timing, particularly Blake and Durr, is impeccable and their quick fire dialogue keeps us gripped. To get such a high calibre cast for the play’s premiere is a real coup and this tour feels like it could be the best production of this play you’ll see. If you like comedy horror don’t miss it.
Murder at Midnight is at Lowry, Salford from 20-24 January 2026.