Murder Before Evensong review – Rev Richard Coles’s village mystery squeezes into cosy theatre

The Watermill Theatre in Newbury is currently presenting "Murder Before Evensong," a stage adaptation of the 2022 debut novel by Reverend Richard Coles. This production introduces Canon Daniel Clement, the crime-solving rector who serves as the protagonist in Coles's burgeoning series of village mysteries. The play, which is scheduled to run until November 14, features Ian Hallard in the central role of Canon Clement, tasked with bringing to life a contemplative investigator navigating a convoluted narrative. Reverend Richard Coles, a familiar public figure through his broadcasting work and his memorable appearance on the popular BBC competition show "Strictly Come Dancing," has situated his fictional parish of Champton in the 1980s. This temporal setting is a deliberate choice, as it allows for the integration of plotlines connected to the Second World War, weaving them into the fabric of contemporary village life. The core mystery revolves around Canon Clement's initiative to install a much-needed lavatory at St. Mary's church. This seemingly mundane project, however, inadvertently unearths long-buried secrets from the village's military past, ultimately revealing a sinister pattern of serial killings that has plagued the community. The 1980s timeline strategically omits the ubiquitous presence of modern technologies such as mobile phones and CCTV, which could otherwise simplify alibi verification and complicate the intricate process of crime investigation, thereby enhancing the suspense. The adaptation faces the inherent theatrical challenge of managing a substantial ensemble of characters, encompassing a multitude of suspects, potential victims, and a cast of actors who skillfully undertake multiple roles—a common and often necessary practice in smaller theatre productions to manage resources. The review acknowledges that while the adaptation is thoughtfully conceived, it occasionally struggles to contain the sheer volume of its numerous characters and the complexity of its interwoven plot. The Watermill Theatre, a venue recognized for its commitment to producing intimate and engaging theatrical experiences, aims to translate Coles's popular literary creation to the live stage. The original novel, "Murder Before Evensong," served as the foundational work for the series, establishing Canon Clement as a significant figure within the cozy mystery genre. This literary success draws parallels to other celebrated fictional detectives, such as Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Ian Rankin's John Rebus, and the television characters Inspector Barnaby and DI Grace, many of whom have also seen their stories adapted for the stage, underscoring the enduring appeal of well-crafted detective narratives.