Preview: The Killings at Badger’s Drift at Darlington Hippodrome

 DANIEL CASEY RETURNS TO MIDSOMER – THIS TIME AS DCI BARNABY

“Be true to yourself.” – John Nettles’ advice as Daniel Casey takes the reins in stage adaptation of Midsomer Murders

The idyllic English village of Badger’s Drift is about to become the scene of secrets, lies and murder – all over again. But this time, the drama will unfold not on television, but on stage, as a new theatrical adaptation of Midsomer Murders begins its highly anticipated UK tour. And at the centre of it all is a familiar face stepping into a very new role.

Actor Daniel Casey, known to millions for playing DS Gavin Troy in the original TV series, is making a triumphant return to Midsomer – but now as DCI Tom Barnaby in The Killings at Badger’s Drift, coming to Darlington Hippodrome from 19–23 May 2026.

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🚨 FROM DETECTIVE SERGEANT TO DETECTIVE CHIEF INSPECTOR

“It’s a massive promotion,” Casey grins. “I’ve certainly earned my spurs.” Fans will remember him as the eager young sidekick to John Nettles’ Barnaby, in a partnership that defined the first six years of the hit ITV series. Now, two decades later, he steps into the detective’s shoes – and the legacy – of his former mentor.

Casey recalls a touching moment with Nettles:

“When he learned I was taking on the role, he said, ‘Well, he’s learned at the feet of the master.’ That is certainly true.”

The pair’s close bond off-screen mirrored their on-screen dynamic. “John’s advice has always been ‘Be true to yourself,’” Daniel shares. “So that’s how I’ve approached playing Barnaby – not an impression, but my own take, with the same values of honesty, integrity, and quiet watchfulness.”

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🕵️‍♂️ A FAMILIAR MURDER, A FRESH TAKE

The Killings at Badger’s Drift was the first ever Midsomer Murders story, based on Caroline Graham’s 1987 novel. It’s a tale of small-village tranquillity shattered by murder – as spinster Emily Simpson’s suspicious death prompts a deeper investigation into the darkness lurking behind cottage doors.

Adapted for the stage by Guy Unsworth, this production promises to bring all the charm, wit and theatricality of the original series to life, with Casey’s DCI Barnaby teaming up with a new DS Troy to peel back the layers of rural respectability.

“It’s full of English eccentrics, secrets, and deadly rivalries,” says Casey. “There’s something deliciously theatrical about Midsomer anyway – and we’re leaning into that.” Audiences can also expect a bit of theatrical trickery: “We have an amazing cast playing multiple roles. I challenge people to guess how many actors are actually in the show!”

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🎟️ A HOMECOMING IN DARLINGTON

For Stockton-on-Tees-born Casey, the Darlington dates are especially poignant.

“It’s my home turf. I spent my whole childhood in that part of the country. Performing there brings back so many memories – of family trips to the Market Hall Shambles and picking up my dad from the station.”

Now 53, Casey’s return to Midsomer is not just a professional full-circle moment – it’s a deeply personal one. “I lost both my mam and dad two years ago,” he says. “So being back in the North East for this will be very emotional.”

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🌟 A CAREER ROOTED IN THE NORTH

Casey’s love for the stage began locally – from youth theatre in Stockton to the lead in Bugsy Malone as a teen, before studying English at Durham’s Grey College. Just weeks after graduating, he landed his first professional role with Hull Truck Theatre – a performance that led to being cast in the iconic Our Friends in the North.

His screen career spans The Grand, A Touch of Frost, The Bill, Casualty, EastEnders, and Emmerdale, but the stage remains his first love. “I enjoy the challenge of touring – every venue is different, and you have to keep it fresh every night.”

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🕰️ WHY MIDSOMER STILL MATTERS

Midsomer Murders has been a global phenomenon – syndicated in more than 200 countries – and Casey believes its enduring appeal lies in its mix of timeless storytelling and English eccentricity.

“It’s a modern-day morality tale,” he says. “It’s good versus evil, right versus wrong. And it has cross-generational appeal – grandparents and kids watching together. Plus, the countryside settings and those brilliant British characters make it escapism at its best.”

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🔍 DON’T MISS IT

Whether you’re a lifelong Midsomer fan or new to the world of picturesque villages with a high body count, The Killings at Badger’s Drift promises mystery, nostalgia and theatrical magic in equal measure.

Catch Daniel Casey as DCI Barnaby at Darlington Hippodrome:
🗓️ Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 May 2026
📍 Darlington Hippodrome
🎟️ Book now at www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.

This is one Midsomer case you won’t want to miss.

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