Murder Before Evensong - Watermill Theatre REVIEW

There’s something wonderfully fitting about staging Murder Before Evensong at the Watermill Theatre, where the Berkshire countryside provides the perfect backdrop for a cosy crime mystery steeped in village gossip, church politics and a little murder.

Adapted by the Watermill’s Artistic Director Paul Hart and Shaun McKenna from Rev Richard Coles’s bestselling novel, the story takes us to the sleepy rural village of Champton in 1988, where life revolves around St Mary’s Church. When rector Daniel Clement, played by Ian Hallard, announces plans to install a toilet at the back of the church, tensions within the congregation are already running high. But when a shocking murder throws the community into further turmoil, the rector finds himself drawn into the investigation alongside Detective Sergeant Vanloo, played by Jaz Singh Deol.

The characters are a real highlight, with a wonderfully eccentric collection of villagers brought to life by a cast of just eight playing 17 roles. The quick changes, shifting accents and physical transformations required demonstrate the remarkable versatility of the company, showcasing the high standard of ensemble acting we have come to expect from the Watermill.

There is plenty to enjoy in the writing, too. The dialogue is peppered with witty exchanges and some cracking lines, while the clash between religious tradition and the everyday realities of village life provides fertile ground for comedy. Beneath the humour, there is a pleasantly complex mystery to unravel, with enough twists and turns to keep audiences guessing.

Where the production occasionally falters, however, is in its pacing. Although the plot is satisfyingly intricate, some sections feel rather stagnant, and the action could benefit from a little tightening to maintain momentum. The colourful characters and sharp dialogue go some way towards keeping things lively, but the mystery doesn't always grip as firmly as it might.

Visually, the production is a delight. The Watermill’s distinctive intimate setting, combined with Ceci Calf’s atmospheric church design and Rachel Sampley’s commanding projections, creates an immersive theatrical experience. There are moments when you genuinely feel as though you are sitting in the pews of St Mary’s, observing the parish’s unfolding drama from within the nave itself. It is an inspired use of the venue, allowing the setting to become as much a part of the storytelling as the characters themselves.

Ultimately, Murder Before Evensong is an entertaining evening of cosy crime, brought to life by a talented cast and a production that makes excellent use of its surroundings. While the pacing could be sharper, there is plenty of wit, intrigue and village eccentricity to enjoy. A fittingly atmospheric home for a mystery in which the church congregation has rather more to hide than it might care to admit.