A new stage adaptation of Richard Coles’ bestselling crime novel Murder Before Evensong has been announced.
The new adaptation will run at The Watermill Theatre in Newbury from 25 September to 14 November 2026. There’s no current news about whether the production will transfer into the West End.
Richard Coles’ first novel, published in 2022, will be adapted by The Watermill’s CEO and artistic director Paul Hart and playwright Shaun McKenna (The Forsyte Saga Parts 1 & 2), and directed by Paul Hart.
“I’m delighted that the Watermill is going a-murdering before Evensong and can’t wait to see how this brilliant adaptation will look.” – Richard Coles
Murder Before Evensong is set in the late 1980s in the picturesque village of Champton. Canon Daniel Clement shares Champton rectory with his widowed mother – the opinionated, fearless, ever-so-slightly annoying Audrey, his actor brother Theo, and two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda.
When a shocking murder shatters Champton’s quiet routines, the calm surface of village life begins to crack as suspicion spreads and long-buried secrets rise to the surface.
The novel was also turned into a six-episode TV drama starring Matthew Lewis.
Richard Coles’ first children’s book, A Heist Before Bedtime, is out now.
Murder Before Evensong News
Sign-up for news and booking alerts about Murder Before Evensong and other shows:Related News
RSC announces new season for 2025 to 2026 starring Adrian Lester & Alfred Enoch
Reverend Richard Coles to tour with live show Borderline National Trinket
Les Dennis to star in Bill Bryson’s Notes From a Small Island UK Tour
Industry News: The Watermill Theatre Newbury appoints ATG exec to its board
Latest News
Broadway legend Patti LuPone returns to the London Coliseum for Valentine’s Day 2027
Helen of Troy never got to tell her side. Watch the trailer for the play that does
After a sell-out world tour, The Choir of Man returns to the West End this Christmas
