Inspector Barnaby is heading to Oxford, with the first-ever stage adaptation of Midsomer Murders arriving at New Theatre Oxford later this month.
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift runs in Oxford from Wednesday 29 April to Saturday 2 May 2026, bringing Caroline Graham’s original mystery and the long-running ITV world to the stage in what producers call the theatrical world premiere of the television favourite. The Oxford engagement is part of the show’s wider 2026 tour, which continues through England and Ireland into June.
A classic Midsomer mystery brought to the stage
The production is based on Caroline Graham’s novel The Killings at Badger’s Drift, the book that introduced the world of Midsomer, and on the television series produced by Bentley Productions for ITV in association with All3Media International. The plot begins when well-liked villager Emily Simpson is found dead in Badger’s Drift and her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept that it was an accident, prompting DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy to investigate.
The production is written and directed by Guy Unsworth, with a creative team including David Woodhead (set and costume design), Matt Haskins (lighting), Ella Wahlström (sound), Max Pappenheim (music) and Ginny Schiller CDG (casting).
Daniel Casey returns to Midsomer, but as Barnaby
One of the biggest draws for long-time fans is the casting of Daniel Casey, who originally played Sergeant Troy in the television series from 1997 to 2008. In the stage adaptation, he returns to Midsomer in a very different role: Inspector Barnaby. The stage company is led by Casey as Barnaby and James Bradwell as Sergeant Troy.
The wider cast includes Nathalie Barclay, Chandrika Chevli, John Dougall, Julie Legrand, Rupert Sadler, Chris Agha and Rhîan Crowley-McLean.
What Oxford audiences need to know
For Oxford audiences, the practical details are straightforward. The show plays at New Theatre Oxford, 24–26 George Street, from 29 April to 2 May 2026. It has a running time of around 2 hours 20 minutes including an interval, and the production carries an age recommendation of 12+. Performance times in Oxford are 7.30pm Wednesday to Saturday, with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
That makes the Oxford run a compact one, with just four days of performances in the city.
Why the stage version matters
The move from television to theatre is significant in itself. Midsomer Murders has been one of Britain’s most recognisable crime franchises for years, but this is the first time the series has been adapted for the stage. The official production site describes it as a classic whodunnit full of eccentric villagers, secrets and twists, while early notices quoted by the producers include praise from Radio Times, The Times, Metro and WhatsOnStage.
For local theatre-goers, the attraction is clear: a familiar title, a returning face from the television series, and a self-contained mystery that should work well for audiences who enjoy detective drama but do not necessarily attend the theatre for new writing alone.
Details at a glance
| Detail | Information |
| Show | Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift |
| Venue | New Theatre Oxford |
| Dates | Wed 29 Apr – Sat 2 May 2026 |
| Running time | Approx. 2hr 20 mins incl. interval |
| Age guidance | 12+ |
| Performance times | Wed–Sat 7.30pm; Wed, Thu and Sat 2.30pm |
| Lead cast | Daniel Casey as Inspector Barnaby; James Bradwell as Sergeant Troy |
Remaining 2026 tour dates
| Dates | Venue | City |
| 14–18 Apr 2026 | Leicester Curve | Leicester |
| 21–25 Apr 2026 | Arts Theatre | Cambridge |
| 29 Apr–2 May 2026 | New Theatre | Oxford |
| 12–16 May 2026 | Churchill Theatre | Bromley |
| 19–23 May 2026 | Darlington Hippodrome | Darlington |
| 27–30 May 2026 | Opera House | Manchester |
| 2–6 Jun 2026 | Gaiety Theatre | Dublin |
| 9–13 Jun 2026 | Theatre Royal | Bath |
FAQs
When is Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift in Oxford?
It runs at New Theatre Oxford from Wednesday 29 April to Saturday 2 May 2026.
Who plays Barnaby in the stage version?
Daniel Casey, who originally played Sergeant Troy on television, takes on the role of Inspector Barnaby in the stage adaptation.
How long is the show?
The official running time is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes including an interval.
Is this the first Midsomer Murders stage adaptation?
Yes. The official production materials describe it as the theatrical world premiere of the television favourite.
What age is the show recommended for?
The production carries an age recommendation of 12+.
