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 and the top-rated ITV television series. The tour will open at Richmond Theatre on 24 October and tour through to April 2026.
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.
Speaking of Guy Unsworth’s stage adaptation, crime-writer Caroline Graham says, “It’s fast paced and witty, and has everything an audience wants; bizarre murders and a beautiful setting. I am delighted to be a part of it and to see The Killings at Badger’s Drift on the stage. ”
A spokesperson for the television producers and All3Media International adds, “We’re delighted that Midsomer Murders, the detective drama that continues to delight TV audiences around the world, can now also delight theatre fans with this new production from Nicholson Green Productions. We wish the producer a successful launch tour this autumn in the UK – and are sure that fans from the UK and visitors from abroad alike will embrace this wonderful opportunity to see Inspector Barnaby in action!”
John Nettles, not just Midsomer’s original Inspector Barnaby but also the original Bergerac, another crime-fighter currently undergoing a renaissance, this time on the small screen, beams, “Such anticipation. I’m thrilled to hear that the exploits of those in Midsomer’s Badger’s Drift are being brought to the stage. How exciting!”
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift will be directed by Guy Unsworth, with design by David Woodhead, lighting design by Matt Haskins and sound design by Ella Wahlström. The biggest mystery waiting to be solved right now, however, is who will play Midsomer’s finest, Barnaby and Troy, casting has yet to be announced?
The cosy crime drama Midsomer Murders, set in the idyllic Midsomer county, originally aired on television in 1997 and has to date played 24 seasons. With its blend of picturesque village settings, quirky characters and grisly murders, the series has sustained viewer interest for almost three decades in the UK and internationally, with episodes being sold to more than 200 territories worldwide.
2025 TOUR SCHEDULE | 24 October-1 November, Richmond Theatre, London | 4-8 November, Malvern Festival Theatre | 11-15 November, Chester Storyhouse | 18-22 November, Eastbourne Devonshire Park Theatre | 25-29 November, Sheffield Lyceum.
2026 TOUR SCHEDULE | 20-24 January, Truro Hall for Cornwall | 27-31 January, The Yvonne Arnaud Guildford | 3-7 February, Theatre Royal Brighton | 10-14 February, Blackpool Grand | 17-21 February, Glasgow Theatre Royal | 24-28 February, Nottingham Theatre Royal | 10-14 March, Birmingham The Alexandra | 17-21 March, Norwich Theatre Royal | 24-28 March, Derby Theatre | 14-18 April, Curve, Leicester.
Tickets here.
