Bridgerton star James Bradwell has candidly discussed his experience portraying Sgt Gavin Troy in the Midsomer Murders stage play. The actor, renowned for his role as Lord Basilio in Bridgerton, shares the stage with Daniel Casey, who originally played Sgt Troy in the ITV series opposite John Nettles and now takes on the lead detective role of DCI Tom Barnaby in the theatrical production.
Stepping into Beloved Shoes
Last year, the duo headlined a live adaptation of Caroline Graham's The Killings at Badger's Drift, which served as the pilot episode for the beloved ITV programme. In a recent interview, Bradwell spoke openly about working with Casey and whether he felt any pressure stepping into the role of Sgt Troy.
Speaking to Jadar, Bradwell revealed: "I felt that pressure when I was cast, and I was able to reach out to Dan. Dan has been so generous, and so lovely with his time for me, and being really intent on having our own dynamic that feels like our own detective buddy feeling, in the same way that he had such a longstanding rapport with John Nettles."
He added: "But he was very clear from day one. He said he's in the same boat since he's stepping into John Nettles' shoes, and those are big shoes to fill. And so that pressure was eased because we were both sort of went through that experience together."
Future Tour and New Cast
As the current tour concludes, it has been confirmed that Daniel Casey will reprise his role as DCI Tom Barnaby in 2027, though whether Bradwell will feature in the extended tour remains to be announced. This second tour will present the same narrative but showcase fresh cast members, reports the Express.
The synopsis reveals: "Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger's Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident. DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries."
The Killings at Badger's Drift served as the original pilot episode for Midsomer Murders back in 1997 and was the debut novel in the series, penned by Caroline Graham.
Tour Dates and John Nettles' Approval
The tour is set to kick off in Birmingham on April 23 and conclude in Newcastle on July 31, 2027. Daniel Casey shared in a recent Radio Times interview: "Since returning to the world of Midsomer last October, it has been such a delight to see the incredible reaction of people around the UK and Ireland to our theatre version of The Killings at Badger's Drift and, most importantly for me, getting my dear friend John Nettles' seal of approval after he saw it in Truro."
He continued: "So it is wonderful that, after such a successful first tour, we will be touring to even more venues in 2027. Thank you to all those people who have shown such love for the play, and I can't wait to bring it to a whole new audience in some wonderful new venues in 2027."
