The reviews are in for Murder Before Evensong, the world premiere stage version of the Reverend Richard Coles’s bestselling crime novel, which had its press night at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury on Tuesday 29 September. Paul Hart directs and co-adapts with Shaun McKenna, and Ian Hallard plays Canon Daniel Clement, the village rector drawn into a murder inquiry in 1980s Champton. Eight outlets have filed so far, and most are warm. Hallard is praised in nearly every notice, and several critics single out Kate Russell-Smith, Alex Wilson and Caroline Gruber for the way they move between their several roles. The main reservation, shared by West End Best Friend and BroadwayWorld, is that the doubled characters are not always easy to tell apart.
The verdict: eight reviews in so far — one five-star notice, four four-star and two three-star, plus The Times, whose review sits behind a paywall and is not counted here. Among the seven that score, the average is 3.9 out of 5, and the praise for Ian Hallard’s Canon Clement is close to unanimous.
What are critics saying about Murder Before Evensong?
North West End
Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin
“At the production’s centre is Ian Hallard as Canon Daniel Clement, and he is superb. Warm, thoughtful and immensely likeable, Hallard completely embodies Daniel and provides the production with its emotional anchor. There is an understated humanity to his performance that makes Daniel instantly engaging, whether navigating parish squabbles or confronting considerably darker truths. Frankly, if Daniel Clement were taking Sunday service, I would happily join the congregation.”
WhatsOnStage
Reviewer: Judi Herman
“Under the helm of the venue’s artistic director Paul Hart, who co-adapted the novel with Shaun McKenna, a wonderfully versatile cast of just eight has been assembled. All performers are playing more than one role, with the exception of Ian Hallard, who as a perfect empathetic and perspicacious Canon Daniel, is onstage most of the time.”
BroadwayWorld
Reviewer: Mica Blackwell
“Ian Hallard leads as Canon Daniel Clement, a reserved yet compassionate performance as the murder investigation calls his assumptions on the people of Champton into question. With the rest of its eight strong ensemble doing double and even triple duty, occasionally it can be difficult to differentiate some characters beyond their wardrobes. However, there are still some standouts. Jaz Singh Deol (Eastenders) creates a compelling contrast as unassertive archivist Anthony Bowness and pragmatic Detective Sergeant Neil Vanloo. Caroline Gruber offers humour as Daniel's gossipy mother Audrey and staunchly devout local Kath Sharman, while Alex Wilson feels unrecognisable both as Daniel's obnoxious actor brother Theo and the mysterious Nathan Liversedge.”
StageTalk Magazine
Reviewer: Simon Bishop
“Paul Hart and Shaun McKenna’s adaptation of the script have made the most of Coles’ gentle sense of humour, often eliciting guffaws from an enthusiastic audience – a perfect foil to the, at times, grim tableaux unfolding. Coles, present in the audience, looked suitably amused and pleased with the 3D version of his novel. An entertaining night out for all.”
All That Dazzles
Reviewer: Hywel Farrow-Wilton
“Overall, Murder Before Evensong is a greatly enjoyable evening for those familiar with the novel and those who aren’t. Its nostalgic, classically English aesthetic provides a welcome escape from our fast-changing world, which makes it easy to get swept up in the charm and wit of both the characters and the plot. Whilst this production is not groundbreaking in any particular area, part of the enjoyment of the show is that it doesn’t have to be; the genre is called ‘cosy crime’ after all.”
West End Best Friend
Reviewer: Sarah Brown
“Ian Hallard as Canon Daniel Clement is the only cast member to embody just one character throughout, and gives a good portrayal of the patient, devout - if slightly weak willed - rector. Kate Russell-Smith and Alex Wilson give stand out performances in each of their multiple roles, with Russell-Smith ably transforming from slightly doddery old Dora, local busy body doom-monger Anne, or privileged but charming daughter of the manor, Honoria de Floures. Jaz Singh Deol is compelling as Detective Seargent Neil Vanloo, and Caroline Gruber makes an excellent rector’s mother as Audrey, and born and bred villager/furious opposer of the new loo, Kath Sharman. The cast is completed by Ajani Cabey, Julie Teal, and David Hounslow.”
Production photographs by Alex Brenner.
Also reviewed by: The Stage (Neil Norman, three stars, “A model of economy and stagecraft”) and The Times (Rachel Halliburton, “a show with grit as well as cosiness”), whose reviews sit behind paywalls.
For the casting announcement, see our earlier report on the company for Murder Before Evensong. Elsewhere this week, our roundups cover A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Chichester Festival Theatre and The Standard of Living at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Murder Before Evensong runs at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury until 14 November 2026.
