WOKE theatre bosses have warned fans of blood-soaked TV crime drama Midsomer Murders that its new stage adaptation contains “violent themes”.
The Killings at Badger’s Drift will bring murder, mystery and deadly secrets to theatres across the UK and Ireland.
Midsomer Murders has aired on ITV since 1997 with a 26th series recently commissioned.
Over the 144 episodes there have been more than 388 murders, about 228 attempted murders, 22 suicides and around 63 natural deaths.
Residents of the fictional rural county have been mainly offed by bludgeoning, but others have drowned in a bowl of hard-boiled eggs and jellied eels and been crushed by a giant round of cheese.
Despite the TV show’s relentless death toll, Newcastle’s Theatre Royal is one of several to issue a warning for the touring production, stating: “12+ contains flashing lights, loud noises, adult and violent themes.”
But local Justin Smith hit out, saying: “It’s mysteries unfolding in a rural English village, not Hellraiser.
“This type of nonsense is driving half of the country insane and has to stop.”
The website for next year’s tour says: “Murder comes to the countryside in the theatrical world premiere of the critically acclaimed television favourite Midsomer Murders.”
In the show, a death leads to uncovering a web of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries.
DCI Tom Barnaby is played by Daniel Casey — who portrayed sidekick Sergeant Gavin Troy in the ITV series.
John Nettles played the lead role on TV.