Jason Durr Q&A: “If Tarantino wrote a play, this would be it”

If you love a good whodunnit with a twist of theatrical flair, then hold onto your magnifying glass—because “Murder at Midnight” is about to take centre stage at the New Theatre Cardiff. We caught up with the ever-charismatic Jason Durr, best known for his roles in “Heartbeat” and “Casualty”, to chat about his latest venture into the world of mystery, mayhem, and murder.

From backstage banter to on-stage suspense, Jason spills the beans on what makes this production tick and what audiences can expect when the curtain rises. Spoiler alert: it’s not just the plot that’ll keep you guessing…

What’s the setup for Murder at Midnight, and what kind of ride are audiences in for?

It’s a brand new comedy-thriller from a great writer called Torben Betts, a follow-up to his play Murder in the Dark. It’s a blend of razor sharp wit and gripping murder mystery, full of twists and turns, dark humour, and chilling suspense. Throw in a suitcase full of cash, a bunch of ravenous dogs, a chainsaw and an unsolved murder, and what’s not to like? If Tarantino was to write a play, this would be it. And I can guarantee it will keep the audience guessing almost until the curtain comes down.

Jonny the Cyclops isn’t your average leading man — what makes him tick?

He’s such a colourful character, who lives in a luxury Kent mansion, where the play is set. Essentially he’s a one-eyed drug dealer, pig farmer, and notorious gangland killer, whose past is catching up with him fast. Everyone in the play is hiding something, not least Jonny. We also meet his mum, his girlfriend, his trigger-happy sidekick, a vicar, and a nervous burglar dressed as a clown. It’s a heady blend, and I can’t wait to bring Jonny to life.

You’ve got history with director Philip Franks — how does that shape the rehearsal room?

I do. He played Sergeant Craddock to my PC Mike Bradley back in our Heartbeat days, when we spent several happy years up in Leeds filming the show. And he’s become not just a dear friend but a terrific director as well. So it’s lovely to be working with him again. And I’ve wanted to work with Original Theatre since they started 20 years ago, so it’s great we’ve finally made it happen.

With names like Susie Blake, Max Bowden and Katie McGlynn on the cast list, what’s the vibe off-stage?

It’s a fantastic company, we’re really blessed. When you get to work with people with naturally funny bones it’s just such a delight. We’re still in rehearsals but we get on famously already, so I’m sure that’ll continue out on tour. We’ve got a great support cast as well, an outstanding bunch of actors. I think one of the challenges will be that we might have too much fun, and I’ll be struggling not to laugh the whole time.

You’re heading out on tour — what keeps that experience exciting for you?

I do, and I know a lot of the venues we’re visiting very well. They’re just right for the show, intimate enough that the audience will feel they’re really part of the show. I’m looking forward to seeing how audiences in different parts of the country react, and keeping them on the edges of their seats. I’m really excited to get out there.

Was there a childhood moment that sparked your love of performing?

I always knew I wanted to act, every since being a young boy. We had a dressing up trunk full of funny hats and props, which I loved playing with then and have ever since. I’ve been fortunate in my career, starting off at the Royal Shakespeare Company and then getting to explore a huge range of roles on screen as well.

You’ve played everything from punks to politicians — which roles have stuck with you the most?

I love variety and mixing things up. I’ve got to play everything from a knight in shining armour in Gawain and the Green Knight, to a gay punk in Young Soul Rebels, to a sociopathic serial killer in Above Suspicion. I even played Tony Blair on stage in the satire Follow My Leader, which was a riot. It’s difficult to pinpoint a favourite, but I just try to bring humanity to all of them. The most interesting role is always the next one, and Jonny is certainly interesting!

Which characters do people still stop you to talk about?

I still get people talking to me about Heartbeat, and saying they’d love the show to come back. I also often have people ask me about my character in Casualty, who had bipolar disorder, and they’ll say he helped them to understand the condition better, which is lovely. But every conversation is different. It’s still the strangest thing when you’re on holiday somewhere and someone will walk up to you and say how much they enjoyed Above Suspicion.

When you’re not on stage or screen, what’s your go-to way to unwind?

I live in the Cotswolds, and I love being surrounded by nature. I probably need to get out more, because I spend more time talking to animals than people. But I also love to keep fit whether it’s going to the gym or climbing, and I read a lot as well. When you’re on stage or filming a TV show it can be very intense, so living in a rural setting is the ideal way to get away from it, and spark new ideas.

Whether you're a die-hard theatre buff or simply fancy a thrilling night out, “Murder at Midnight” promises edge-of-your-seat entertainment with a killer cast to match. Jason Durr brings charm, wit, and just the right amount of intrigue to the role—and after hearing his take, we’re even more excited to see it unfold live.

The show runs at the New Theatre Cardiff from Tue 4th November 2025 - Sat 8th November, so grab your tickets, gather your fellow sleuths, and prepare for a night of drama, deception, and deliciously dark fun. You won’t want to miss it! Grab your tickets at the New Theatre website here!