From Page to Stage: Midsomer Murders ‘The Killings at Badger’s Drift’ Comes to UK Theatres
Last Updated on April 22, 2026
Midsomer Murders fans, sharpen your pencils and dust off your deerstalkers because the world of cozy crime is about to leap from your TV screen and onto the stage.
Yes, you read that right! Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift is being adapted into a stage play, and it’s set to tour the UK from October 2025, with Daniel Casey (yes, Sergeant Troy himself!) stepping into the iconic shoes of DCI Tom Barnaby.
If you’ve ever fancied solving a murder from the comfort of a plush theatre seat, now’s your chance.
The Story That Started It All
Before we get into the whodunit of the stage adaptation, let’s take a little stroll down the winding lanes of Badger’s Drift.
Caroline Graham’s The Killings at Badger’s Drift is the book that kicked off the entire Midsomer phenomenon.
First published in 1987, it introduced us to the quietly brilliant DCI Tom Barnaby and his keen (if sometimes bumbling) sidekick, Sergeant Gavin Troy.
The story opens with the sudden death of Emily Simpson, a well-loved spinster who, moments before her demise, witnessed something in the woods that left her deeply unsettled.
Her friend, the indomitable Lucy Bellringer, refuses to believe it was an accident, and soon Barnaby and Troy are on the case.
What follows is classic English village mystery fare: beneath the quaint thatched roofs and rose gardens, secrets fester like weeds.
Graham delights in peeling back the polite veneer of village life to reveal a tangle of rivalries, passions, and long-buried scandals.
The murder investigation soon uncovers more bodies, more secrets, and, of course, a killer hiding in plain sight.
From Page to Screen – and Now the Stage
Of course, most of us first met Barnaby and Troy on our television screens. The ITV adaptation of The Killings at Badger’s Drift launched Midsomer Murders in 1997, with John Nettles as Barnaby and Daniel Casey as Troy.
The show quickly became a Sunday night staple, famous for its picturesque villages, inventive murders, and the sort of eccentric supporting characters who seem to exist solely to be murdered or to murder someone else.
Now, nearly three decades later, the story is coming full circle. The new stage adaptation, written and directed by Guy Unsworth, promises to bring all the wit, charm, and suspense of the original books and TV series to life.
And here’s the twist worthy of Midsomer itself: Daniel Casey, who played Troy in the original series, is returning – not as the eager young sergeant, but as DCI Tom Barnaby himself.
Casey has spoken about how surreal and exciting it is to step into Barnaby’s shoes, especially after so many years as Troy.
“Workshopping the play, you realise the characters have an inherent theatricality, which is perfect to bring to the stage,” he said.
“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.
“To be stepping into his shoes as Barnaby is both a little daunting and incredibly exciting”.
Even John Nettles, the original Barnaby, has given his blessing: “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”.
What to Expect on Stage
If you’re picturing a cozy night at the theatre, with gentle English banter and the occasional murder, you’re on the right track.
The stage adaptation promises all the hallmarks of a classic Midsomer mystery:
A charming village with a dark underbelly: Badger’s Drift is as pretty as a postcard, but don’t let the flower shows and bake sales fool you. There’s plenty of intrigue simmering beneath the surface.
Eccentric villagers: From nosy neighbours to secretive couples, everyone has something to hide – and everyone is a suspect.
Shocking twists and an unforgettable reveal: Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the story pulls the rug out from under you (but gently, so you don’t spill your interval ice cream).
A classic whodunit structure: You’ll be invited to guess along with Barnaby and Troy, piecing together clues and motives as the bodies (metaphorically) pile up.
A touch of humour and warmth: Despite the murders, there’s a coziness to Midsomer that makes it perfect for a night out – think Agatha Christie with a modern twist and a dash of English eccentricity.
Why This Stage Adaptation Matters
Bringing Midsomer Murders to the stage isn’t just a clever bit of nostalgia, it’s a celebration of everything fans love about the series and the books.
There’s something magical about seeing familiar characters and stories brought to life in a new way, especially with actors who know the world inside and out.
Daniel Casey’s return is a treat for long-time fans, and Guy Unsworth’s direction promises to honour the spirit of both Graham’s novel and the beloved TV show.
It’s also a chance for a new generation to discover the joys of Midsomer. Maybe you’ll bring your mum, your gran, or your murder-mystery-obsessed mate.
Maybe you’ll spot the killer before Barnaby does (don’t gloat too loudly). Or maybe you’ll just sit back, relax, and let yourself be swept up in a world where even the most idyllic village can hide a killer—or two.
Where You Can Watch It
The UK tour kicks off on October 24th 2025 at the Richmond Theatre in London. It will then travel around the UK stopping at Malvern, Chester, Eastbourne, Sheffield, before taking a break and returning in 2026.
From then it will go from Cornwall to Guildford, Brighton, Blackpool, Glasgow, Nottingham, Birmingham, Norwich, Derby and Leicester.
For all of the full dates, times and ticket prices check out the official Midsomer On Stage website here.
Sadly, for all of our non UK cozy mystery fans, there are no current plans to take the tour across the pond, but we will keep you posted.
The Book: A Cozy Mystery with Bite
For those who haven’t read Graham’s original novel, now is the perfect time to dive in. The Killings at Badger’s Drift is the kind of book that wraps you up in a blanket of nostalgia, even as it delivers a sharp jab of suspense.
The plot is clever, the characters are memorable, and the setting is so vividly drawn you’ll swear you can smell the scones baking.
But don’t be fooled by the cozy trappings, this is a mystery with real stakes. Graham isn’t afraid to explore the darker side of village life, from jealousy and blackmail to secrets best left buried.
Yet, through it all, Barnaby remains a beacon of decency, quietly restoring order to a world gone awry.
Get A Fun Night Out In The Diary
If you’re the sort of person who likes your mysteries with a side of tea and a slice of Victoria sponge, Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift is the stage event you won’t want to miss.
It’s cozy, clever, and just a little bit wicked – everything a good whodunit should be.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll leave the theatre eyeing your neighbours a little more suspiciously.
After all, in Midsomer, you never know what secrets are lurking behind the garden gate.
So grab your tickets, gather your fellow sleuths, and prepare for an evening of intrigue, laughter, and, of course, murder.
Just remember: in Badger’s Drift, nothing is ever quite as it seems!
