James Bradwell, known for his role as Lord Basilio in Netflix's Bridgerton, has been cast as Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy in the theatrical world premiere of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift. The stage adaptation, based on Caroline Graham's novel, will see Bradwell star alongside Daniel Casey, who reprises his television role as DCI Tom Barnaby.
The production is directed by Guy Unsworth and begins at Richmond Theatre on 24 October, before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour running through to June 2026. The show's synopsis reveals that when well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in the village of Badger's Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident, prompting Barnaby and Troy to investigate a world of hidden passions and deadly rivalries.
Bradwell announced the news on Instagram, posting a photo with Casey and writing: 'MIDSOMER MURDERS ON STAGE 2025/26. So very excited to finally announce my role as Detective Sergeant Troy in a UK & Ireland Tour! It's a big pair of shoes to fill, not least as I'll be donning them alongside their former owners in @danielcasey1767 stepping up magnificently to the role of DCI Barnaby.'
The ensemble cast also includes Nathalie Barclay, Chandrika Chevli, John Dougall, Julie Legrand, Rupert Sadler, Chris Agha, and Rhian Crowley-McLean, each taking on multiple characters. Fans have reacted enthusiastically, with one commenting 'The perfect Troy' and another declaring 'HUGE! Get a load of this handsome fella.'
