Sergeant Troy is promoted to DCI Barnaby in Midsomer Murders UK Tour

DANIEL CASEY TO RETURN TO MIDSOMER

TO STAR AS INSPECTOR BARNABY

IN 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

UK TOUR OPENS IN OCTOBER 2025

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 of Guy Unsworth’s stage 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 at Richmond Theatre on 24 October, with a national press night on Thursday 30 October, and will tour through to April 2026.  The UK tour is produced by Nicholson Green Productions and Colin Ingram Ltd.

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!”

Daniel’s recent theatre credits includeProfessor Plum in Cluedo (UK Tour), Walter in Sleepless: A Musical Romance (Troubadour Wembley), Bernard in Yes, Prime Minister (Theatr Clywd), Laurence in Abigail’s Party (UK Tour) and Roger in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (National Theatre).  Daniel’s recent television credits include Terry in Emmerdale (ITV), Tom Bailey in EastEnders (BBC), Gavin Williamson in Theresa V Boris: How May Became PM (Juniper TV) and Tom Finlay in Coronation Street (ITV).

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 whodunit 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.

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift will be directed by Guy Unsworth, with design by David Woodhead, lighting design by Matt Haskins, sound design by Ella Wahlström and casting by Ginny Schiller CDG.

Website: Midsomeronstage.com

Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @MidsomerOnStage

TOUR SCHEDULE

2025

24 October – 1 November        Richmond Theatre, London

                                                      www.atgtickets.com/Richmond                                                          

4-8 November                            Malvern Festival Theatre                                                                         01684 892277

                                                      www.malvern-theatres.co.uk                                                              

11-15 November                       Chester Storyhouse                                                                                   01244 409 113

                                                      www.storyhouse.com                                                                             

18-22 November                       Eastbourne Devonshire Park Theatre                                                01323 412000

                                                      www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk                                                        

25-29 November                       Sheffield Lyceum                                                                                        0114 249 6000

                                                      www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk                                                              

2026

20-24 January                             TruroHall for Cornwall                                                                              01872 262 466                                                         

                                                      www.hallforcornwall.co.uk                                                                   

27-31 January                             The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford                                            01483 440000

                                                      www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk                                                                  

3-7 February                               Theatre Royal Brighton

                                                      www.atgtickets.com/brighton                                                             

10-14 February                          Blackpool Grand                                                                                          01253 290190

                                                      www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk                                                                  

17-21 February                          Glasgow Theatre Royal

                                                      www.atgtickets.com/glasgow                                                              

24-28 February                          NottinghamTheatre Royal                                                                      0115 989 5555

                                                      www.trch.co.uk                                                                                         

10-14 March                               Birmingham The Alexandra

                                                      www.atgtickets.com/birmingham             

17-21 March                               Norwich Theatre Royal                                                                             01603 630000

                                                      norwichtheatre.org

24-28 March                               Derby Theatre                                                                                              01332 593939

                                                      derbytheatre.co.uk                                                                                  

14-18 April                                  Curve, Leicester                                                                                         

www.curveonline.co.uk

More dates to be added.