A notorious gangster. A suitcase full of cash. A clown in the kitchen. What could possibly go wrong?

Let’s set the scene. It’s New Year’s Eve in a sleepy corner of Kent, and while the rest of the country is popping prosecco and dancing to dodgy playlists, one house is bracing for something a little more… explosive.

Welcome to Murder at Midnight, the darkly hilarious new play from Torben Betts (yep, the mastermind behind Murder in the Dark), which hits the Royal & Derngate, Northampton from 16–21 February 2026. Mark your diary. This one’s juicy.

You’ve got gangsters. You’ve got glamour. You’ve got a jittery carer, a dodgy vicar, and a burglar in full clown costume. Oh, and just one small thing — someone’s going to end up dead.

No spoilers here, but let’s just say it’s not who you expect.

A Cast That’s Absolutely to Die For

This world premiere packs some serious star power. Leading the chaos is Jason Durr (Heartbeat, Casualty) as the larger-than-life Jonny ‘The Cyclops’. Alongside him, the ever-brilliant Susie Blake (Coronation Street, Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV) plays the psychic-seeing Shirley, and Katie McGlynn (Corrie, Hollyoaks) brings edge and energy as the mysterious Lisa.

And the madness doesn’t stop there — with Callum Balmforth, Peter Moreton, Iryna Poplavska, and a couple of versatile police officers (played by Bella Farr and Andy McLeod) adding to the twisty, turny, edge-of-your-seat chaos.

Behind the scenes? It’s a dream team. Directed by Philip Franks, with design, lighting, and sound crafted by a top-notch crew, this play promises style, suspense and some very slick stage moments.

A Murder Mystery… With a Twist (or Ten)

This isn’t your average drawing-room whodunnit. Think Knives Out meets The League of Gentlemen with a splash of The Mousetrap — but way funnier, and with a higher body count.

Packed with pitch-black humour, razor-sharp dialogue, and the kind of plot that has you leaning forward one minute and howling the next, Murder at Midnight is one of those rare theatrical treats: clever, chaotic, and completely addictive.

So if you love your comedy laced with danger — or your thrillers with a proper side of sass — you’ll want to get yourself a ticket sharpish.

️ Book now for the Royal & Derngate run: royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/murder-at-midnight
▶️ Watch the trailer: YouTube – Murder at Midnight
Touring the UK from September 2025 – full details at murderplay.com