JAMES BRADWELL TO STAR AS SERGEANT GAVIN TROY OPPOSITE DANIEL CASEY AS INSPECTOR TOM BARNABY in the THEATRICAL WORLD PREMIERE OF MIDSOMER MURDERS: THE KILLINGS AT BADGER’S DRIFT ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE AND DIRECTED BY GUY UNSWORTH BASED ON THE CAROLINE GRAHAM NOVEL AND THE ITV SERIES
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift will arrive at Derby Theatre on Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 March 2026, as part of its UK tour.
For the first time ever, Inspector Barnaby and his trusty sidekick, Sergeant Troy, will take to the stage in Guy Unsworth’s adaptation of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift, based on the book by Caroline Graham, The Killings at Badger’s Drift, and the television series Midsomer Murders, produced by Bentley Productions for ITV in association with All3Media International. The tour will open in October 2025 and will tour through to April 2026, including a run at Derby Theatre.
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 Sergeant Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets, and deadly rivalries.
With eccentric villagers, shocking twists, and an unforgettable reveal, The Killings at Badger’s Drift is a classic whodunnit that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Bringing to life the wit, charm, and chilling suspense of the beloved television series and original series of books, this gripping and thrilling new show will entrance theatre audiences.
Daniel Casey, who created the role of Sergeant Troy in ITV’s Midsomer Murders from 1997 to 2008, will now take on the role of Inspector Tom Barnaby in the world premiere a stage adaptation of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift.
Daniel said of taking on the role originally created by John Nettles, “I never expected to revisit the world of Midsomer, with its weird and wonderful characters and all their dark, twisted secrets. So to be asked to play the iconic role of Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby in this new stage adaptation of The Killings at Badger’s Drift was a real surprise.
“Workshopping the play, you realise the characters have an inherent theatricality, which is perfect to bring to the stage.
“It has brought back some wonderful memories of such a happy time in my career playing Sgt Troy and the fantastic time I had working with the amazing John Nettles and to be stepping into his shoes as Barnaby is both a little daunting and incredibly exciting.”
John Nettles, in response, said, “How wonderful that the original tale of murder and intrigue in Midsomer will be solved by Daniel, in this new stage version of Badger’s Drift”
“Daniel brought the young Troy to life so brilliantly in the original TV pilot of the book and I’m delighted that he gets to lead the investigation in this theatre adaption.
“He has a fabulous track record in his stage work – and had a marvellous DCI to teach him the detecting ropes, back in the day!”
James Bradwell (Lord Basilio in Bridgerton) will star opposite Daniel Casey (Inspector Tom Barnaby) as Sergeant Gavin Troy in the world premiere of Guy Unsworth’s stage adaptation of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift.
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