Thame Museum’s latest exhibition devoted to The Making of Midsomer Murders, highlighting Thame’s filming locations, and providing insights into the story behind the show, has got off to a great start! A reception to launch the exhibition was held last Friday, attended by the Mayor of Thame, town councillors, some of Thame’s Midsomer tour guides, and suppliers of items being displayed during the exhibition.
Adrian Dite, chairman of the Museum’s board of trustees, welcomed the guests and said, “I am delighted we are hosting an exhibition on such a popular subject which attracts a global following. Everyone at the Museum looks forward to a very successful summer ahead, with two exhibitions running on the biggest tourist attractions Thame has to offer - one on Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, a former resident of Thame, and the other on Midsomer Murders in its 25th year.”
Tony Long, co-curator of the Midsomer Murders exhibition, said, “Thame is one of the most filmed locations in the fictional Midsomer County, so it is fitting that we should be celebrating 25 years of Midsomer Murders and Thame’s role as a major filming location. This exhibition is the first of its kind and we have had a lot of fun putting it together. We hope it gives visitors a lot of pleasure as they explore Midsomer in Thame during the summer.”
The exhibition covers the history of Midsomer Murders and how it began in 1997; the books on which it is based; the main actors who have appeared in 128 episodes to date; and some of the bizarre ways in which people have been murdered and the weapons used.
It also features displays of images depicting different scenes used in the series, including some of the 23 Thame venues used as filming locations, as well as locations in nearby villages. Visitors will also be able to view the theremin, the weird electronic instrument that is heard in the Midsomer theme tune, with an opportunity to have a go at playing it themselves.
First-day visitorsto the exhibition made comments such as ”What a treat! So much information, so many great facts, such wonderful pictures - to say nothing of some of the props. Whether you’re a casual viewer of the odd show or a diehard fan, this exhibition is a delight” and “If you were wondering why Thame is famous, a visit to Thame Museum should answer your question. On show is a wonderful range of information charting the 25 years of Midsomer Murders and its links to Thame and neighbouring locations. This exhibition is well worth a look and could even be enjoyed by those who prefer watching Line of Duty or Sherwood rather than Midsomer Murders!"
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to take selfies next to a replica of the Causton Town Hall sign and there are opportunities to purchase exclusive commemorative merchandise including mugs, tea towels, t-shirts and signed copies of a book about Midsomer written by Tony Long, who is also one of the Midsomer guides. Guided walking tours of Thame are being held on Saturdays at 2 pm as well as on Wednesdays at 2 pm, during the exhibition.
This exhibition is bound to fascinate diehard fans in Midsomer County, in the UK and across the world, as well as anyone with an interest in the history of Thame and surrounding area.
Thame Museum are grateful for the support of Bentley Productions, the producers of Midsomer Murders, in staging this exhibition.
