Review | Murder at Midnight at Fareham Live: 'A theatrical thrill ride'

Part thriller, part farce, entirely entertaining.

Jason Durr leads the ensemble with a charismatic turn as Eastend bad boy, Jonny ‘The Cyclops’ Drinkwater. Durr brings a quietly simmering menace to the role. His presence anchors the play with a sense of unpredictable danger, proving that one eye is more than enough to command the stage.

Susie Blake is sublime as Shirley, Jonny’s doting mother. Delivering Betts’ humour with effortless timing and razor dry wit. She turns even the smallest reaction into a laugh-out-loud moment.

Max Bowden’s Paul is a standout. Jittery, funny, and painfully human. He excels at physical comedy and plays panic like a musical instrument, hitting every note as he frantically attempts to stay ahead of the looming doom.

Katie McGlynn delivers a grounded and energetic performance as Lisa, injecting emotional clarity into the spiralling madness. Her back and forths crackle with intensity and humour.

Peter Morton’s Trainwreck is exactly that. Wild, chaotic, and wickedly funny. He steals scenes with a single look thriving in the show’s most chaotic moments.

Iryna Poplavska gives Christina an intriguing, understated presence that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding hysteria. Her poised delivery adds a welcome edge of mystery to the unfolding chaos.

Betts’ script is tight and witty. A dark comedy laced with suspense, performed by a cast that squeeze every ounce of humour and horror from it. The audience was roaring throughout. The cast absolutely killed it.

Original Theatre’s Murder at Midnight is a theatrical thrill ride. Clever, stylish, and unabashedly fun. A murderously funny, killer comedy.

If you're looking for a night out that leaves you talking all the way home, Murder at Midnight is the play for you.

Until Saturday.