‘Cosy English murder mystery brought to life by a versatile cast and clever staging, with plenty of twists to keep audiences guessing’
Following his success directing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Paul Hart returns to the Watermill Theatre with Murder Before Evensong, a world premiere stage adaptation of Reverend Richard Coles’ bestselling mystery novel.
Set in the postcard-perfect village of Champton in 1988, the story centres around Canon Daniel Clement (Ian Hallard), his family and the close-knit community surrounding St Mary’s Church. When a shocking murder disrupts village life, long-held secrets and rivalries begin to surface, with Daniel drawn into the search for the killer.
The production takes a little time to find its pace. With a large number of characters introduced early on, it can initially be difficult to keep track of who is who, particularly as several members of the versatile supporting cast take on multiple roles. Once the plot gets moving, however, the production becomes far more engaging and successfully sweeps the audience into its mystery.
For those unfamiliar with the novel, the whodunnit is particularly enjoyable. The murders are cleverly staged, with some genuinely effective moments of shock, and the mystery remains sufficiently open-ended to encourage plenty of guessing. The identity of the killer remains difficult to pin down until the final stages, making the final revelations satisfying.
The cast work well together, with Ian Hallard bringing plenty of energy to Canon Daniel, while the chemistry across the ensemble helps make this fictional village feel lived-in. Several romantic storylines are woven through the mystery, most of which add warmth and depth to the characters. One connection between two of the main characters, however, feels somewhat underdeveloped and ultimately unnecessary, leaving its inclusion slightly distracting.
The real star of the production is arguably the staging. Ceci Calf’s set, combined with the work of the wider creative team, transforms the Watermill’s intimate space into multiple locations across Champton and the surrounding estate. With relatively few props and set pieces, the production moves seamlessly from one location to another, creating the impression of an entire village around the audience.
Murder Before Evensong is a cosy English murder mystery with plenty of charm, a likeable ensemble and some well-executed surprises. While its slow opening and crowded cast of characters take some time to settle, once the mystery takes hold, it proves an entertaining and jolly evening at the Watermill.
Murder Before Evensong plays at Watermill Theatre until 14th November. Tickets are available here.