Fans of the long-running detective series Midsomer Murders have been sent into a frenzy after getting their first look at former star Daniel Casey in a brand new role. A trailer for an upcoming stage production has surfaced online, showcasing Casey in a lead part for a theatrical adaptation of the very story that launched the hit ITV show.
From TV Sidekick to Stage Lead
Daniel Casey is best known for playing DS Gavin Troy, the earnest sidekick to John Nettles' DCI Tom Barnaby, during the first six series of Midsomer Murders. Now, he is stepping into the spotlight for a stage version of Caroline Graham's novel, 'The Killings at Badger's Drift'. This book served as the inspiration for the show's pilot episode, making the adaptation a full-circle moment for dedicated fans.
The newly released sneak peek shows Casey commanding the stage as he delves into a sinister murder mystery. In one gripping moment from the trailer, his character declares, "This was a frantic search to remove evidence of a secret someone doesn't want discovered." He goes on to unravel the plot, hinting at a dark secret discovered in the woods that could cost someone everything.
Fan Reaction and Tour Details
The preview has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from fans on social media. One admirer commented, "You look the part, Daniel. You were always brilliant in Midsomer murders," while another excitedly wrote, "Wow, that's so cool. Love him." Some are already hoping for an international run, with one fan pleading, "This is fabulous! How about a US tour??"
The stage play, titled Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift, is scheduled to tour the UK from 20 January to 13 June 2026. Tickets are already on sale, with one eager viewer sharing, "Can't wait!!!! I have my tickets and have been waiting for so long!!!!"
Stepping into Iconic Shoes
Taking on a role so closely associated with John Nettles, who played Inspector Barnaby from 1997 to 2011, is not a task Daniel Casey takes lightly. He previously admitted during a BBC Breakfast interview that it felt "quite daunting" but also "amazing" and "wonderful".
Reflecting on his time working with Nettles, Casey said, "John's such a lovely man, and it was such an important part of my early career... I stood next to him for seven years, so a lot of that has rubbed off, I hope." He revealed that while he will bring his own voice to the part, he won't stray far from the source material, stating, "The lines are the lines and the character is the character... I'm not going to be deviating that far, but it will be my version."
The trailer concludes with Casey delivering a chilling line that promises the classic Midsomer Murders blend of the quaint and the deadly: "There's blood behind the begonias." For fans of the series, the wait for this theatrical murder mystery is almost over.
