The stage adaptation of a bestselling murder mystery novel will receive its world premiere later this year.
Murder Before Evensong, the debut crime novel by Reverend Richard Coles, is being brought to the stage at Watermill Theatre in a new production adapted by artistic director Paul Hart and writer Shaun Mckenna.
Performances will run from Friday, September 25 to Saturday, November 14, with a national press night scheduled for Tuesday, September 29.
Set in a quiet English village in 1988, Murder Before Evensong centres on Canon Daniel Clement, who leads St Mary’s Church alongside his strong-willed mother Audrey and actor brother Theo.
When a shocking murder disrupts the parish of Champton, buried secrets and village rivalries begin to surface, drawing Canon Clement into a dangerous investigation.
Paul Hart, artistic director at the Watermill Theatre, said: "I’ve been a huge admirer of Richard’s Canon Clement series for a long time and the opportunity to bring this world to the stage for the first time is thrilling.
"The sense of community and village life is at the centre of the book, and I think this will work so well at the Watermill.
"And to work with Shaun Mckenna on adapting this for the stage has been a dream – we last worked together on The Lord of the Rings so he can do anything."
The production reimagines life in a close-knit community where trust is fragile, and every pew could hide a secret.
The story follows Canon Clement as he pieces together motives, histories, and clues in a setting where tradition and faith blend with intrigue and suspicion.
Full casting and creative team details will be announced in due course.
Reverend Richard Coles said: "I’m delighted that the Watermill is going a-murdering before Evensong and can’t wait to see how this brilliant adaptation will look."
Tickets are available via watermill.org.uk or by calling the box office on 01635 46044.
An audience event with Reverend Richard Coles will also be held at the theatre on Friday, October 16 at 2.30pm, offering fans a chance to hear more about his writing and the world behind the story.
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