A killer night out – ‘Murder at Midnight’ at New Theatre Cardiff
Last night I found myself tangled in a web of dark comedy, twisted secrets, and a gloriously bonkers set design at The New Theatre Cardiff, where ‘Murder at Midnight’ is currently causing a stir. With a cast boasting Jason Durr, Susie Blake, Max Bowden, and Katie McGlynn, expectations were high – and for the most part, they delivered.
Let’s start with the good stuff - and there’s plenty. The set was nothing short of genius. Imagine a life-sized doll’s house cracked open for the audience to peer into: a cross-section of a suburban home, complete with a cosy living room, a kitchen that looked like it had seen a few dodgy dinner parties, patio doors leading to a suspiciously quiet outdoor area, and upstairs, an office and bedrooms that held more secrets than your nan’s attic. It was clever, immersive, and gave the whole production a voyeuristic thrill – like we were spying on something we really shouldn’t be.
“deliciously dark, with moments that had the audience chuckling”
The comedy was deliciously dark, with moments that had the audience chuckling through the tension. Susie Blake’s timing was razor-sharp, and Max Bowden brought a jittery energy that kept things lively. Katie McGlynn was magnetic, and Jason Durr’s presence anchored the chaos with just the right amount of menace.
But – and it’s a small but worth mentioning – the first act did drag its feet a little. The pacing felt off, like the play was still warming up while we were already perched on the edge of our seats, waiting for the fireworks. Once the second act kicked in, though, it was full steam ahead.
One niggle that did affect the experience: no microphones. In a space like the New Theatre, and with such an intricate set, it meant that when actors were tucked away in one of the “rooms”, their voices sometimes got lost and some of the Jokes lost. A few lines were swallowed by the walls, which was a shame given the sharpness of the dialogue.
Still, the overall vibe? A cracking night out. ‘Murder at Midnight’ is a twisted little treat that blends suspense with silliness, and it’s well worth catching before it wraps up in Cardiff on Saturday 8th November 2025.
If you fancy a night of laughs, gasps, and a set that’ll make you want to redesign your living room, this one’s for you. You can get your tickets here!
