Murder Before Evensong stage adaptation reveals world premiere cast

Exclusive: The Watermill Theatre has announced the company for the world premiere of Murder Before Evensong.

Based on the novel by Richard Coles, the stage adaptation has been written by the venue’s joint CEO and artistic director Paul Hart alongside Shaun McKenna. The pair previously collaborated on The Lord of the Rings in 2023.

Set in 1988, the story takes place in the village of Champton, where life centres around St Mary’s Church. The narrative follows canon Daniel Clement, his mother Audrey and his brother Theo as a murder disrupts the routines of the parish. As suspicion spreads through the community, Daniel becomes involved in the investigation, uncovering secrets within the village.

Directed by Hart, performances run from 25 September to 14 November 2026, with an additional two added due to demand.

The cast for Murder Before Evensong will feature Ian Hallard as canon Daniel Clement, Ajani Cabey as Alex de Floures and Harvey Porteous, and Caroline Gruber as Audrey Clement and Kath Sharman.

Playing Bernard de Floures, Ned Thwaite and Edgy Liversedge will be David Hounslow, and Kate Russell-Smith will play Honoria de Floures, Dora Sharman and Anne Dollinger.

Jaz Singh Deol takes on the roles of DS Neil Vanloo and Anthony Bowness, Julie Teal will play Stella Harper and Margaret Porteous, and Alex Wilson will play both Theo Clement and Nathan Liversedge.

The production is based on Coles’ canon Clement series and explores themes of community and hidden tensions within village life.

Also on the creative team are set and costume designer Ceci Calf, lighting designer Charly Dunford, sound designer Steven Atkinson, video designer Rachel Sampley, intimacy director Foxy, dialect coach Elspeth Morrison and associate director Lilac Yosiphon. Casting is by Cydney Beech.

Hart said: “It takes a village to create… a village. And the Watermill is surely the most perfect theatre in the country to bring Richard’s glorious novel to the stage. We have assembled an extraordinary cast who will bring vivid detail and incredible range to the various, beloved characters who make up this community. And I’m delighted to be collaborating again with this creative team who we last worked with on The Autobiography of a Cad. We can’t wait to bring this world premiere to life.“