The world premiere of 'Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift' arrived in Chester this week. 

When well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger's Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident.

DCI Tom Barnaby and Sgt Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries.

In this well-paced production, the quirky set design transforms into various village locations before our eyes, inviting us into different homes within the leafy village of Badger's Drift.

The audience is able to follow the interrogations, as we take a closer peak at each of the lives of the eccentric villagers, all of whom have something to hide.

Many cast members take on multiple roles, such as Chandrika Chevli, who simultaneously plays both Barbara Lassiter and Dickie Whiteley during a police interrogation, with half of her body dressed as the former and the other half portraying Dickie.

DCI Tom Barnaby and Sgt Gavin Troy are called in to investigate (Image via: Mann Bros)

Working alongside DCI Barnaby is the younger Sgt Gavin Troy, played by Bridgerton's James Bradwell. At one point insultingly referred to as an apprentice, Troy offers a humorous contrast to the experienced detective, working to prove himself throughout the play.

Another brilliant aspect of the show was the dream sequence in which protagonist DCI Barnaby, played by Daniel Casey, has hit a wall in the increasingly murky investigation.

Human sized garden gnomes, each representing a member of the cast and used in previous scenes, dance around the detective to eery music, as we feel a deeper pull into confusion of the case and the lives at stake.

The plot twist was bonkers, much like the show itself, with the lively and unpredictable production keeping the audience guessing the entire way through.

Based on Caroline Graham's book 'The Killings at Badger's Drift' and the television series 'Midsomer Murders', the show was produced by Bentley Productions (for ITV) in association with All3Media International.

Written and directed by Guy Unsworth with design by David Woodhead, 'Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift' will run at Storyhouse until 15 November, before moving on to the next part of its national tour.

For more details, visit here.