Murder Before Evensong is the first of The Reverend Richard Coles' Canon Clement Mystery novels.
Channel 5 and AMC Networks’ Acorn TV have announced Murder Before Evensong, a new six-part murder mystery drama, based on the debut novel from The Reverend Richard Coles.
It'll be led by Matthew Lewis as Canon Daniel Clement, who shares Champton rectory with his widowed mother, the opinionated, fearless and ever-so-slightly annoying Audrey. Oh and his two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda.
When Daniel announces a plan to install a lavatory in the church, the parish is suddenly (and unexpectedly) divided: as lines are drawn, long-buried secrets come dangerously close to destroying the apparent calm of the village.
And then Anthony Bowness, cousin to Bernard de Floures, patron of Champton, is found dead at the back of the church, stabbed in the neck with a pair of secateurs.
As the police move in and the bodies start piling up, Daniel is the only one who can try and keep his fractured community together... and catch a killer.
On taking on the role, Matthew Lewis said "I’m beyond thrilled to be throwing on the old dog collar and diving into the world of Champton so charmingly created by Rev. Richard Coles. I’ve been an admirer of his work for some time and love the characters and stories he’s written. It’s an honour to work with this creative team and have the opportunity to bring the character of Canon Clement to life for fans of the book and new viewers alike."
And speaking about the upcoming adaptation of his debut novel, The Reverend Richard Coles said "I am beyond excited that Canon Clement and his flock are to be turned into television by the brilliant team at The Lighthouse and I’m already planning my cameo appearance. Look out for a sinister archdeacon on a sit up and beg bicycle!"
Made by The Lighthouse Murder Before Evensong will be adapted by Nick Hicks-Beach and directed by David Moore and will be executive produced by The Reverend Richard Coles and Radford Neville for The Lighthouse, alongside Catherine Mackin and Don Klees for Acorn TV and Paul Testar for Channel 5.
Speaking about today's news, Channel 5's Commissioning Editor, Drama, added "We cannot wait to bring Murder Before Evensong to life, blending intrigue and wit with a truly unique central character. Matthew Lewis is the perfect choice to lead this adaptation of the Reverend Richard Coles’ beloved novel, and with The Lighthouse team behind this series it will offer a fresh take on the murder mystery genre while celebrating the charm and secrets of village life."
To which Radford Neville, Executive Producer and Director of The Lighthouse added "We can’t wait to bring Richard’s fabulous world of vicars, miniature dachshunds and bloody murder to audiences around the globe in this complex and gripping mystery."
Further casting will be announced in due course and the series will begin filming in 2025 in the West Midlands with support from the West Midlands Production Fund and is due to air later in the year on Acorn TV worldwide and Channel 5 in the UK
Speaking about Murder Before Evensong, Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises (Acorn TV) said "Richard’s brilliantly layered storytelling offering surprise and delight around every corner is the exact crime-focused fare Acorn TV’s intellectually curious audience craves. Matthew’s embodiment of Canon Daniel promises a bold and compelling adaptation that we can’t wait to see. We’re delighted to work alongside Richard, Nick, David, Matthew, as well as our partners at The Lighthouse and Channel 5, to bring this highly praised bestseller to the small screen."
To which Paul Ashton, Head of Film & TV, Creative UK, added "The West Midlands Production Fund is delighted to be supporting the show at such an important moment for the region’s profile as a home for high-end TV - with what we hope will be an instant hit with audiences."
Murder Before Evensong will air on Channel 5
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