Daniel Casey, who played Sgt Troy in the television series Midsomer Murders, will take the role of Inspector Tom Barnaby when the first stage adaptation goes on a UK tour in 2025.
Casey played Troy from 1997 to 2008. He will appear in the world première of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift, based on the book by Caroline Graham.
He said of the role 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’s 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.”
Nettles commented, “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!”
The Killings at Badger’s Drift features a spinster being found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift. Her friend 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. It is a “classic whodunit that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats”.
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.
The tour will open at Richmond Theatre from Friday 24 October until Saturday 1 November and will end at Leicester’s Curve from Tuesday 14 until Saturday 18 April 2026.