REVIEW - MURDER AT MIDNIGHT | THE LOWRY | 21/01/2026

Murder at Midnight at The Lowry – A Night of Twists, Laughs and Mayhem

Performed by Original Theatre, Murder at Midnight is a darkly comic, cross-genre thriller that blends crime, farce and murder mystery, all set against the ticking clock of New Year’s Eve. Written by Torben Betts and directed by Philip Franks, the play follows on from the success of Murder in the Dark, though it very much stands on its own feet.

I went into this performance at The Lowry with very few expectations and without really knowing what to expect from the story, which made the whole experience all the more enjoyable.

Set on the final night of the year, Murder at Midnight opens in the aftermath of violence before rewinding the clock to show how events spiralled so spectacularly out of control. At the centre of it all is Jonny “The Cyclops” Drinkwater, a one-eyed gangster returning home with plans for celebration, romance and reunion. What he actually finds is a house full of secrets, simmering tensions and far too many people with something to hide.

As the evening unfolds, an undercover policeman posing as a priest, a jittery burglar in a clown mask, a fiercely loyal but fragile right-hand man, a clairvoyant mother and her terrified carer all collide under one roof. Rather than a traditional whodunnit, the play leans into the chaos of how everything goes wrong, delivering a fast-moving narrative packed with sharp dialogue, misunderstandings and escalating consequences. The balance between dark subject matter and outright absurdity is handled with confidence, creating a tone that is knowingly grisly but consistently entertaining.

Colin Falconer’s split-level set is one of the production’s standout features. The cutaway design reveals multiple rooms stacked vertically, allowing the action to bounce rapidly between spaces without ever slowing the pace. It suits the farcical structure perfectly, with characters narrowly missing one another or overhearing conversations from different levels, and it keeps the stage visually engaging throughout.

Lighting by Jason Taylor clearly defines each area of the house while subtly shifting mood as the story grows more violent and surreal. Sound design by Max Pappenheim weaves in sharp effects alongside Jonny’s devotion to Robbie Williams, which becomes a running joke in its own right. Costumes ground the characters firmly in recognisable archetypes, helping the audience instantly understand each role within the chaos.

Jason Durr is thoroughly compelling as Jonny, delivering a performance that is both threatening and unexpectedly comic. He holds the stage with ease, finding humour in menace and keeping the character strangely watchable throughout.

Susie Blake is a joy as Shirley, Jonny’s mother, whose tarot cards and ominous pronouncements bring some of the evening’s biggest laughs. Her timing is impeccable, and by the second half her entrances alone are enough to set the audience giggling.

Max Bowden plays undercover policeman Paul with a likeable awkwardness, while Katie McGlynn’s Lisa is far more layered than first impressions suggest — unpredictable, conflicted and consistently engaging. Callum Balmforth brings strong physical comedy to Russell, particularly during moments of panic and confrontation, while Peter Moreton gives real emotional weight to Trainwreck, Jonny’s devoted but unraveling sidekick.

Iryna Poplavska stands out as Cristina, the increasingly frantic carer caught in an impossible situation, and the ensemble is completed confidently by Bella Farr and Andy McLeod. There are no weak links here; the cast work together with impressive energy and precision.

Murder at Midnight at The Lowry is a gleefully messy, high-energy night at the theatre that knows exactly what it is. It doesn’t aim for subtlety, instead embracing broad comedy, theatrical excess and a body count that escalates alongside the laughs. While the humour is unapologetically dark, the production’s self-awareness and pace keep the audience firmly on side.

With a clever set, a sharp script and a cast who fully commit to the madness, this is a hugely enjoyable comedy thriller that delivers twists, laughs and shocks in equal measure.

A fast-paced night of twists, laughs and chaos.

Murder at Midnight will be at The Lowry until Saturday, 24th January 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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For more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the official website.

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Photo Credit - Pamela Raith

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.