Entertainment · Books & Arts · 3 hrs ago
David Suchet stars in a church revival of Murder in the Cathedral
A revival of Murder in the Cathedral is staged at a church in Richmond, with David Suchet playing Archbishop Thomas Becket.
T.S. Eliot’s 1935 play tells of Becket’s martyrdom at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170, after he opposed King Henry II.
The production uses church bells, incense and a chorus singing plain chant, while the story explores Becket’s conflict between earthly and spiritual loyalties.
The church setting makes the performance unusually ceremonial, a choice that may unsettle both non-religious audience members and some believers.
The production is described as hugely impressive, though the play itself is judged demanding and more like religious biography than tragedy.
The show is already sold out, and no further plans are given.
Sir David Suchet stars as Archbishop Thomas Becket in a revival of T S Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral at St John the Divine Church in Richmond.
The play depicts Becket’s martyrdom at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170 and his conflict over earthly and heavenly loyalties.
Tom Littler’s production is staged in a church, with incense, bells and a chorus singing plain chant.
Daily Mail reviewer Patrick Marmion gave the production four out of five stars.
Marmion called the production impressive but described the play as arcane and gruelling.
- Who
- Sir David Suchet stars as Thomas Becket.
- What
- A revival of T S Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral is being staged.
- When
- The review was published on 19 October 2026.
- Where
- St John the Divine Church in Richmond.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Archbishop Thomas Becket was martyred at Canterbury Cathedral, the event depicted in Eliot’s play.
T S Eliot wrote Murder in the Cathedral.
The Daily Mail published its review of the Richmond production.
- Lead actor
- Sir David Suchet
- Venue
- St John the Divine Church, Richmond
- Playwright
- T S Eliot
- Play date
- 1935
- Review rating
- Four out of five stars
What people are saying
It is, nonetheless, a hugely impressive production
Eliot was not much of a playwright
this is more arcane, tortured hagiography than it is tragedy