REVIEW: ENTERTAINING MURDER @ UPSTAIRS AT THE GATEHOUSE

🎭 Entertaining Murder

📍 Upstairs at the Gatehouse, 1 North Road, Highgate Village, London, N6 4BD

🗓 Tuesday 28th April 2026

⭐️ 4 Stars

MURDER AND MUSIC

Oh, I do love a bit of scandal! A musical about a real-life true crime, packed with twists, turns, and heaps of passion sounded exactly my kind of thing, so I took on the hill from Highgate station to see ENTERTAINING MURDER at the wonderful Upstairs at the Gatehouse.

Walking in, the first thing that hits you is the set. It beautifully fills the stage, instantly whisking you back to the 1920s with an atmospheric, evocative design. The story dives into the infamous Ilford Murders - a real-life case that shocked the nation - and you can tell immediately that we’re in for something special.

Now, I’ll be honest: during Act 1, the writing felt a little "safe" at times. The songs were perfectly lovely but perhaps a bit middle-of-the-road. However, Act 2 is where the magic really happens. There’s a complete shift in gear; the intensity ramps up, and the songs finally let this incredible cast show off the full range of their vocal abilities. It becomes a gripping, powerhouse piece of theatre.

It helps that the creative team is an absolute tour de force. Writer Chris Burgess is one of my industry favourites, with credits from the West End to Southwark Playhouse, and his connection to this story is deeply personal - his family actually lived on the same street as the real characters! That intimate knowledge of the case shines through every line.

The music is elevated by Aaron Clingham’s extraordinary orchestrations. He performs the score live, and the way he creates such a rich, full sound as a one-man band is pure artistry. Pair that with Richard Lambert’s lighting - which is atmospheric and heightens the tension gloriously - and you’ve got a masterclass in what can be achieved in a fringe venue.

But let’s talk about this cast. Daisy Snelson is absolutely intoxicating as Edith Thompson. She doesn't play her as the manipulative killer the 1920s press portrayed. Instead, she gives us a woman trapped in a loveless marriage who has finally found a soul-consuming love. Her interpretation is nuanced, and her vocals are simply sublime.

Dominic Sullivan is equally intense as her lover Freddy Bywaters. The chemistry between the two is electric and I truly believed in their connection. His performance of "Beautiful Things" was an incredible bit of acting through song, delivered with some seriously powerhouse vocals.

It was also a treat to see Dora Gee, who is always a joy to watch. She and the brilliant Alex Cosgriff jump through a plethora of roles with seamless transitions. They nearly stole the show with "See Edith Thompson Swing" - a darkly joyous number where they Charleston around the stage as executioners. It’s macabre, it’s camp, and it’s brilliant.

Grounding the whole piece is the legendary Sue Kelvin as Avis Graydon. Acting as our narrator, she keeps the core story tight as she looks back on those infamous love letters involved in this case, still fighting fifty years later to clear her sister’s name.

Honestly, this show is everything you want it to be and more. If you love true crime with a side of showtunes, get yourself to Highgate! ENTERTAINING MURDER continues performances until Saturday 10th May. CLICK HERE for tickets.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Entertaining Murder was gifted by Kevin Wilson Public Relations who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST LIST:

Daisy Snelson as Edith Thompson; Dominic Sullivan as Freddy Bywaters; Dora Gee as Young Avis Graydon (and others); Alex Cosgriff as Percy Thompson (and others); Sue Kelvin as Avia Graydon

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 10 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Depictions of murder and execution; Themes of an unhappy marriage, adultery, and toxic relationships; Descriptions of restrictions on women's rights; Discussion of abortion

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